Michael A. Dillon was born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, but spent the years leading up to the Civil War in Wilton, New Hampshire. When the conflict broke out, he traveled to Portsmouth to enlist, becoming a member of Company G in the 2nd New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was quickly integrated into the Union’s efforts to push toward Richmond during the Peninsula Campaign of 1862.

In May 1862, during the Battle of Williamsburg, Private Dillon’s unit found themselves in a desperate defensive position. As Confederate forces charged a Union artillery battery, Dillon displayed exceptional bravery under fire. He joined the effort to repulse the charge, holding the line and ensuring the battery remained in Union hands despite the intensity of the enemy assault.

Just weeks later, on June 25, 1862, during the Battle of Oak Grove, Dillon volunteered for a high-stakes reconnaissance mission. He crawled out beyond the safety of the Union lines, moving through dangerous territory to observe Confederate positions. He successfully returned with intelligence that proved vital to the command’s understanding of the enemy’s movements. For these two distinct acts of valor, Michael A. Dillon was awarded the Medal of Honor.