John L. Canley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Canley
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Canley in 2018
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| Born | December 20, 1937 Caledonia, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | May 11, 2022 (aged 84) Bend, Oregon, U.S. |
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1953–1981 |
| Rank | Sergeant major |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 1st Marines |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal with "V" device Purple Heart |
John Lee Canley (December 20, 1937 – May 11, 2022) was a brave U.S. Marine. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States military. He earned this award for his heroic actions in 1968 during the Battle of Huế in Vietnam.
At that time, Canley was a gunnery sergeant. He was part of Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. He was first given the Navy Cross for his courage. Later, this award was changed to the Medal of Honor. He received it on October 17, 2018. A special ship, the Expeditionary Sea Base USS John L. Canley, is named after him.
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Early Life and Joining the Marines
John Canley was born in Caledonia, Arkansas, on December 20, 1937. He grew up in a nearby town called El Dorado. In 1953, when he was 16, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps. He served his country for many years. He retired from the Marines in 1981.
Heroic Actions in Vietnam
On January 31, 1968, Canley's Marine company was sent to help U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. These forces were under attack in the city of Huế. As their trucks got close to the city, they faced heavy enemy fire.
The Marines had to get off their trucks and fight their way through houses and streets. It was a very tough battle. During this fight, their company commander was hurt. Gunnery Sergeant Canley quickly took charge of the company.
He and another brave Marine, Sergeant Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez, led their fellow Marines. They defended their group and fought through the city. Their actions helped the Marines reach a safe compound. For his bravery, Canley was first awarded the Navy Cross in 1970.
Medal of Honor Award
Years later, a special effort was made to give John Canley the Medal of Honor. A member of Congress, Julia Brownley, worked to make this happen. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate agreed. They allowed his award to be upgraded.
Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis suggested the upgrade to President Donald Trump. President Trump approved it in July 2018. On October 17, 2018, President Trump personally gave the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Major John L. Canley. This was a huge honor for his amazing bravery.
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A Ship Named in His Honor
John Canley's bravery is remembered in a special way. On June 26, 2022, a new ship was named after him. It is called the USS John L. Canley (ESB-6). This ship is an Expeditionary Sea Base. It helps support military operations at sea.
Canley's daughter, Patricia Sargent, had the honor of christening the ship. This means she officially named it during a special ceremony. The ship is very large, about 784 feet (239 meters) long.
Later Life and Legacy
After retiring from the Marine Corps, John Canley lived in Oxnard, California. He had children and stepchildren.
John Canley passed away on May 11, 2022, at the age of 84. He died at his daughter's home in Bend, Oregon. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a special place where many heroes are laid to rest. His courage and leadership continue to inspire many.
Awards and Decorations
John Canley received many awards for his service and bravery. The most important was the Medal of Honor. He also earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroism and the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat.
He also received:
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
- Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Korea Defense Service Medal
- Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- United Nations Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
He was also an expert marksman with both the rifle and pistol.
See also
