John Lee Canley

Under fire at Hue, he led Marines and saved wounded comrades

Sergeant Major John Lee Canley received the Medal of Honor for repeatedly risking his life to save Marines and lead attacks during the Battle of Huế in 1968. Serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, he took command after the company commander was severely wounded and held company command for three days during the battle.

Born in Caledonia, Arkansas, on 20 December 1937, Canley enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953 and ultimately served for 28 years, including three combat tours in Vietnam. During the Tet Offensive and Tet Counteroffensive of 1968, he was an experienced noncommissioned officer with Alpha Company in Vietnam. The enemy’s offensive brought the Marines into urban combat around Huế, where company units fought to relieve surrounded friendly forces and advance through defended positions.

From 31 January to 6 February, Canley repeatedly crossed fire-swept ground to evacuate wounded Marines. When his commanding officer was badly wounded, he assumed command and led Alpha Company into the city. He directed attacks against fortified enemy positions, often exposing himself to fire while bringing casualties to safety. On 4 February, he led Marines into an enemy-occupied building, exposed himself to locate hostile fire, and dropped a satchel charge into an enemy strongpoint, forcing its defenders to withdraw. At a hospital compound on 6 February, he twice scaled a wall in view of the enemy to reach and carry out wounded Marines. His leadership and rescue efforts helped preserve the company through the battle.

Canley’s original Navy Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor after his fellow Marines sought renewed recognition of his actions. President Donald Trump presented the medal at the White House on 17 October 2018. The award’s citation covers the full period from 31 January through 6 February 1968, recognizing sustained gallantry and leadership under fire.

Canley retired as a sergeant major on 23 October 1981 after a 28-year Marine Corps career. He died in Bend, Oregon, on 11 May 2022, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors. The U.S. Navy named the expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley in his honor; the ship was commissioned in 2024, carrying the name of the Marine whose actions in Huế had saved the lives of his comrades.

Medal of Honor citation: 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, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, from 31 January to 6 February 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. When his commanding officer was severely wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Canley assumed command of the company and led his Marines in attacks against enemy positions. On several occasions he exposed himself to enemy fire to carry wounded Marines to safety. On 6 February, at a hospital compound, he twice scaled a wall in full view of the enemy to aid and carry wounded Marines to safety. His heroic actions saved the lives of his teammates.

Sources: U.S. Marine Corps, “Medal of Honor: Sgt. Maj. John Canley,” 25 September 2018, including the official citation; Congressional Medal of Honor Society, “Johnny Lee Canley,” recipient record and “Announces Passing of Medal of Honor Recipient John Lee Canley,” 11 May 2022; Arlington National Cemetery, “Vietnam Veteran Marine MOH Recipient Laid to Rest at ANC”; U.S. Navy, “USS John L. Canley Commissioning Recognizes Legacy of Vietnam Veterans and Medal of Honor Recipient,” 17 February 2024.