John Phillip Rilley or Riley (January 22, 1877 â November 16, 1950) was a landsman serving in the United States Navy during the SpanishâÂÂAmerican War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
Riley was born January 22, 1877, in Allentown, Pennsylvania and after entering the navy was sent to fight in the SpanishâÂÂAmerican War aboard the U.S.S. Nashville as a landsman.
He died on November 16, 1950, and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts.
Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 22 January 1877, Allentown, Pa. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 521, July 1899.
Citation:
<blockquote>On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Riley displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.</blockquote>