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Retired Sgt. Major John Canley, an 80-year-old Marine veteran, will receive the nation\u2019s highest military honor for his conspicuous gallantry during the Vietnam War.<\/p>\n
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President Trump announced Tuesday that the Marine veteran will be awarded the Medal of Honor on 17 October at the White House, becoming the sixth American and third Vietnam veteran to receive the award from Trump.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means a lot to me,\u201d Canley told USA Today. \u201cMostly for my Marines because we\u2019ve had to wait 50-plus years to get any kind of recognition.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
John Ligato, a Marine and FBI agent who has written a book about Canley\u2019s time in Vietnam, said he was amazed at Canley\u2019s calm composure during the battle.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe never ran and he never ducked,\u201d Ligato told Newsweek. \u201cYou know, it\u2019s just amazing. I don\u2019t know if he had some sort of death wish or what \u2014 Gunny says that he just gets into a zone and does what he has to do. \u2026 I don\u2019t know how the bullets didn\u2019t hit him.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Though not specifically mentioned if the Medal of Honor is an upgrade for, or in addition to, his Navy Cross, the citation speaks for itself. <\/p>\n
Navy Cross
\nAWARDED FOR ACTIONS
\nDURING Vietnam War
\nService: Marine Corps
\nBattalion: 1st Battalion
\nDivision: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
\nGENERAL ORDERS:<\/p>\nAuthority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
\nCITATION:<\/p>\nThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley (MCSN: 1455946), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 January to 6 February 1968. On 31 January, when his company came under a heavy volume of enemy fire near the city of Hue, Gunnery Sergeant Canley rushed across the fire-swept terrain and carried several wounded Marines to safety. Later, with the company commander seriously wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Canley assumed command and immediately reorganized his scattered Marines, moving from one group to another to advise and encourage his men. Although sustaining shrapnel wounds during this period, he nonetheless established a base of fire which subsequently allowed the company to break through the enemy strongpoint. Retaining command of the company for the following three days, Gunnery Sergeant Canley on 4 February led his men into an enemy-occupied building in Hue. Despite fierce enemy resistance, he succeeded in gaining a position immediately above the enemy strongpoint and dropped a large satchel charge into the position, personally accounting for numerous enemy killed, and forcing the others to vacate the building. On 6 February, when his unit sustained numerous casualties while attempting to capture a government building, Gunnery Sergeant Canley lent words of encouragement to his men and exhorted them to greater efforts as they drove the enemy from its fortified emplacement. Although wounded once again during this action, on two occasions he leaped a wall in full view of the enemy, picked up casualties, and carried them to covered positions. By his dynamic leadership, courage, and selfless dedication, Gunnery Sergeant Canley contributed greatly to the accomplishment of his company’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.<\/p>\n
No better friend, no worse enemy. <\/p>\n
The article may be viewed in its entirity Here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"