The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private John Lilley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 2 April 1865, while serving with Company F, 205th Pennsylvania Infantry, in action at Petersburg, Virginia. After his regiment began to waiver Private Lilley rushed on alone to capture the enemy flag. He reached the works and the Confederate Color Bearer who, at bayonet point, he caused to surrender with several enemy soldiers. He kept his prisoners in tow when they realized he was alone as his regiment in the meantime withdrew further to the rear.