Sgt. Maj. Canley was born on December 20, 1937, in Caledonia, Arkansas. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953 and retired in 1981 as a sergeant major. He deployed on three combat tours to the Vietnam War and served as a rifle platoon leader, company gunnery sergeant and company first sergeant.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018 for his actions in 1968 during the Battle of Hue City, Vietnam.
“The actions in the face of danger Sgt. Maj. Canley took are incredible and remarkable,” said Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black. “Sgt. Maj. Canley was a leader and a warfighter who undoubtedly contributed to the battles won in Vietnam. His first priority was and has always been his Marines - a true example of Semper Fidelis. I’m saddened by the loss of such a great Marine, yet I’m grateful for the legacy he established for generations of warriors.”
His legacy will live on through the USS John L. Canley (ESB-6)
#usa #marines #johncanley
4 мар 2024
