John Phillip Rilley

Landsman, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Landsman John Phillip Rilley (22 January 1877- 16 November 1950) was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

John Phillip Rilley was born 22 January 1877 in Allentown, PA. After entering the Navy, he was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the USS Nashville.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy

Citation: On board the USS Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Rilley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Death and Burial

Landsman John Phillip Rilley died on 16 November 1950. He is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem, MA.