Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps

Johnny Lee Canley

Details
  • Also Known As: Canley, John
  • Rank: Gunnery Sergeant (Highest Rank: Sergeant Major)
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company A, 1st Battalion,
    1st Marines
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: January 31 - February 6, 1968
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Hue, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division from 31 January to 6 February 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. Company A fought off multiple vicious attacks as it rapidly moved along the highway toward Hue City to relieve friendly forces that were surrounded by enemy forces. Despite being wounded in these engagements, Gunnery Sergeant Canley repeatedly rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry his wounded Marines to safety. After his commanding officer was severely wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Canley took command and led the company into Hue City. At Hue City, caught in deadly crossfire from enemy machine gun positions, he set up a base of fire and maneuvered with a platoon in a flanking attack that eliminated several enemy positions. Retaining command of the company for three days, he led attacks against multiple enemy fortified positions while routinely braving enemy fire to carry wounded Marines to safety. On 4 February, he led a group of Marines into an enemy-occupied building in Hue City. He moved into the open to draw fire, located the enemy, eliminated the threat, and expanded the company’s hold on the building room by room. Gunnery Sergeant Canley then gained position above the enemy strongpoint and dropped in a large satchel charge that forced the enemy to withdraw. On 6 February, during a fierce firefight at a hospital compound, Gunnery Sergeant Canley twice scaled a wall in full view of the enemy to carry wounded Marines to safety. By his undaunted courage, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Canley reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Recipient Johnny L. Canley
Medal of Honor Recipient Johnny L. Canley
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: October 17, 2018

    At the White House, Washington, D.C., by President Donald J. Trump

  • Born: December 20, 1937, Caledonia, Union County, AR, United States
  • Died: May 11, 2022, Bend, OR, US
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, US
 
Videos

Medal of Honor Presentation to John Canley

Medal of Honor Presentation to John Canley

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John Canley's Medal of Honor Action Remembered. Video by Sgt. Jamie Arzola, U.S. Marines Corps, Communication Directorate, 2018.

John Canley's Medal of Honor Action Remembered. Video by Sgt. Jamie Arzola, U.S. Marines Corps, Communication Directorate, 2018.

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Answering the Call: John Canley. Video by Staff Sgt. Erik Estrada, U.S. Marines, Communication Directorate, 2018.

Answering the Call: John Canley. Video by Staff Sgt. Erik Estrada, U.S. Marines, Communication Directorate, 2018.

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