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LTC Stephen F.
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Edited 6 y ago
Thank you my friend SFC William Farrell for making us aware that after decades 80-year-old Marine Retired Marine Sgt. Maj. John Canley has been awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump for valor above the call of duty decades ago in the Vietnam War. I am thankful that he was alive for this recognition.

Background from https://www.marines.mil/News/Press-Releases/Press-Release-Display/Article/1644927/medal-of-honor-sgt-maj-john-canley/
"Sergeant Major John L. Canley will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions from January 31 to February 6, 1968, while assigned to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines in the Republic of Vietnam. While serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant, he fought off multiple enemy attacks as his company moved along a highway toward Hue City to relieve friendly forces who were surrounded. On several occasions, despite his own wounds, he rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry wounded Marines to safety. When his commanding officer was severely wounded, he took command and led his company into Hue City. While in command of the company for three days, he led attacks against multiple enemy-fortified positions while exposing himself to enemy fire to carry wounded Marines to safety. On February 6, at a hospital compound, he twice scaled a wall in full view of the enemy to aid wounded Marines and carry them to safety. Then-Gunnery Sergeant Canley's heroic actions saved the lives of his teammates.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND:

Sergeant Major (Retired) John L. Canley was born in Caledonia, Arkansas. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sergeant Major Canley has three adult children, Ricky, Patricia, and Yukari. In 1970, he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Nation's second-highest medal of valor, for his actions during the Battle of Hue City in February 1968. Sergeant Major Canley retired from the United States Marine Corps October 23, 1981, and currently resides in Oxnard, California. Some of his interests include physical fitness, travel, reading, marksmanship, and spending time with his family. His personal awards include a Bronze Star with combat "V,"
Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V," and the Combat Action Ribbon. Additional awards and decorations include four Presidential Unit Citations, seven Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, two Marine Corps Expeditionary Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, nine Vietnam Service Medals, two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses, the Korean Defense Service Medal, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, the Rifle Expert Badge (11th Award), and the Pistol Expert Badge (16th Award).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THE MEDAL OF HONOR:

The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President, in the name of Congress, to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty while:

. engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

. engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

. serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

There must be no margin of doubt or possibility of error in awarding this honor. To justify this decoration, the deed performed must have been one of personal bravery and self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades, and must have involved risk of life."

Thanks for mention me, my friend SP5 Mark Kuzinski I responded first to this question.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT (Join to see) SSG David Andrews
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SP5 Mark Kuzinski
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SSG William Jones
SSG William Jones
6 y
SP5 Mark Kuzinski
I somehow missed this. I wish I had seen it because I'm sure this man is certainly worthy of the CMH.
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SP5 Mark Kuzinski
SP5 Mark Kuzinski
6 y
I was lucky enough to have FOX on my radio while I was driving.
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SPC Douglas Bolton
SPC Douglas Bolton
6 y
SP5 Mark Kuzinski - Saw it on TV. There were many Medal of Honor men there to celebrate with him.
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SP5 Mark Kuzinski
SP5 Mark Kuzinski
6 y
SPC Douglas Bolton - That is so awesome!
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SGT Program Coordinator
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Great honored man, I'm glad he was finally recognized.
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