MILITARY AIDE: The President of the United States, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor to Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley, United States Marine Corps, 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, Alpha Company, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, from 31 January to 6 February 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. President Trump bestowed the award for valorous action at The White House, beginning the ceremony, saying: “I like brave people, and you meet them right here.”

He introduced Canley to a standing ovation, noting he “fought with unmatched bravery in one of the longest, and bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War.”

Trump noted the utmost respect Canley’s fellow warriors have for him, quoting John Ligato, a Marine and FBI agent, who attended the ceremony: “‘We followed him because he was a true leader, he was totally fearless. He loved his Marines, and we loved him back.’”

Trump said that Canley still goes to the gym, and his fellow Marines call him a Marine Warrior, “who is bigger than life and beyond the reach of death.”

Canley took over after his commanding officer was wounded severely, killing countless enemy fighters as his team retook Hue, in what was then South Vietnam. “If you do that, they will take your view, and you don’t have to worry about your mission, and it really doesn’t matter whether or not it’s military or civilian: if you’re in a leadership position, you should always remember that.”

Canley’s heroism included twice scaling a hospital wall in view of the enemy to help wounded Marines and carry them to safety. Canley's heroism includes twice scaling a hospital wall in view of the enemy to help wounded Marines and carry them to safety.According to the White House, Canley, a native of Caledonia, Arkansas, who now lives in California, fought off multiple enemy attacks over several days in early 1968 while his company moved toward Hue as part of a counter-offensive to retake the city from the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. John waged seven straight days of unrelenting combat, personally saving the lives of more than 20 Marines.”

Canley is the sixth American to receive the honor from Trump and the third Vietnam War veteran, The Hill reported. Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., sponsored the congressional bill approving his new award, which was passed in January. “He is truly larger than life,” Trump said, praising his “extraordinary personality.”

“America is the greatest force for peace, justice, and freedom the world has ever known because of you and people like you. Then-Gunnery Sergeant Canley’s heroic actions saved the lives of his teammates. Dozens of marines attended the ceremony, including Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert Neller, Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former Marine General John Kelly, the president’s chief of staff.
Retired United States Marine veteran John Canley receives the Medal of Honor award from U.S. President Donald Trump for his contributions in the Vietnam War.