Jon Riley
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- For the traditional song, see John Riley (song)
Jon Riley, also known as John O'Riley, was one of the Irishmen who deserted the US Army to fight for Mexico in those countries' 1846-48 war. Riley deserted before war was declared and so avoided execution following the court martial held in Mexico City in 1847.
Riley and Patrick Dalton formed the Batallón de San Patricio, or the San Patricios. They fought at the Battle of Churubusco, on the outskirts of Mexico City, where they were captured.
Robert Ryal Miller, San Patricios book, "Shamrock and Sword," discovered death certificate. Like Riley's army records, it uses the name "Juan Reley." It reads: "In the illustrious city of Veracruz, on Aug. 31, 1850, I, Don Ignacio Jose Jimenez, curate of the parish church of the Assumption of Our Lady, buried in the general cemetery the body of Juan Reley, 45 years old, a native of Ireland, unmarried, parents unknown.