File:Military Funeral Honors with Funeral Escort are Conducted for Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John Canley in Section 60 on August 25, 2022.jpg

English: Marines from the “The President’s Own” Marine Band, Marines from the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. (8th and I), and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John Canley in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 25, 2022.

Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018 for his actions during the battle of Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. As the Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine, 1st Marine Division, Canley and his Marines fought off multiple vicious attacks while attempting to relieve friendly forces that were surrounded by enemy forces. According to the award citation, despite being wounded in these engagements, Canley repeatedly rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry his wounded Marines to safety. Canley took command of Company A after his commanding officer was severely wounded and led the Marines into Hue City. Once there and while caught in deadly crossfire from enemy machine gun positions, Canley set up a base of fire and maneuvered with a platoon in a flanking attack that eliminated several enemy positions. Over the next three days, Canley retained command of the company and lead attacks against multiple enemy fortified positions while routinely braving enemy fire to carry wounded marines to safety.

Because of his undaunted courage, selfless sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to duty, Sgt. Maj. Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor. His other awards include the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Patricia Sargent, Canley’s daughter, received the flag from his casket. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)