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Graphic reads “AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR; Honoring Marines from Our Legacy; BLACK HISTORY MONTH; SERGEANT MAJOR, JOHN L. CANLEY, UNIT: 1BN, 1MAR, 1MARDIV; VIETNAM WAR, JAN/FEB 1968.” The layout consists of a brown cloth texture background with an image of the Medal of Honor in the upper left corner in color. Additionally, a photo of Oscar Austin has been subdued and blended into the background. The graphic was created on January 27, 2022 at Communication Strategy & Operations, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Ca. and intended for use by Marine Corps Installations West to highlight African American Marine Medal of Honor recipients during the African American History Month. (U.S. Marine Corps graphics by David G. Smith)
Citation included: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN 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, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division from 31 January to 6 February 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. Company A fought off multiple vicious attacks as it rapidly moved along the highway toward Hue City to relieve friendly forces that were surrounded by enemy forces. Despite being wounded in these engagements, Gunnery Sergeant Canley repeatedly rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry his wounded Marines to safety. After his commanding officer was severely wounded, Gunnery Sergeant Canley took command and led the company into Hue City. At Hue City, caught in deadly crossfire from enemy machine gun positions, he set up a base of fire and maneuvered with a platoon in a flanking attack that eliminated several enemy positions. Retaining command of the company for three days, he led attacks against multiple enemy fortified positions while routinely braving enemy fire to carry wounded Marines to safety. On 4 February, he led a group of Marines into an enemy-occupied building in Hue City. He moved into the open to draw fire, located the enemy, eliminated the threat, and expanded the company’s hold on the building room by room. Gunnery Sergeant Canley then gained position above the enemy strongpoint and dropped in a large satchel charge that forced the enemy to withdraw. On 6 February, during a fierce firefight at a hospital compound, Gunnery Sergeant Canley twice scaled a wall in full view of the enemy to carry wounded Marines to safety. By his undaunted courage, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Canley reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. /S/ DONALD J. TRUMP
| Date Taken: | 01.27.2022 |
| Published: | 02-03-22 04:50 PM |
| Graphic ID: | 18958 |
| VIRIN: | 220127-M-VL690-003 |
| Size: | 3.45 MB |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Black History Month Canley, by David Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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