The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS John L. Canley during a ceremony in Coronado, California on Feb. 17.
During the ceremony, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro discussed the importance of sharing the incredible stories of Navy heritage, such as that of Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, the ship’s namesake.
“While the legacy of African American service members in the sea services spans centuries, their stories often went untold, and they often did not receive the recognition they deserved,” said Del Toro. “This was the case for Sgt. Maj. Canley, who was originally awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions at Hue City.”
Born Dec. 20, 1937, in Caledonia, Ark., then-Gunnery Sgt. Canley served as Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 1968.
According to Canley’s Medal of Honor citation, 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, Canley repeatedly rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry his wounded Marines to safety.
After his commanding officer was severely wounded, Canley took command and led the company into Hue City. He led attacks against multiple enemy-fortified positions while routinely braving enemy fire. On Feb. 6, 1968, during a fierce firefight at a hospital compound, Canley scaled a wall twice in full view of the enemy to carry wounded Marines to safety.
Following an Alpha Company reunion many years later, Canley’s fellow Marine and friend John Ligato embarked on a journey to ensure this humble leader received the credit he deserved.
Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor 50 years after his actions during the Battle of Hue City, becoming the first African-American service member to receive the Medal of Honor while still living.
“We, as Americans, have the unique opportunity to tell these stories and an obligation to learn from them,” said Del Toro. “We can only grow as a nation and as a fighting force by learning from our history. Ultimately, the strength of our maritime team is in our diversity – diversity of background, of experience, and of thought – which ensures our ability to out-think, outpace, and out-maneuver our adversaries.”
Sgt. Maj. Canley passed away in Bend, Oregon on May 11, 2022.
“It is imperative that future generations see themselves in our sea services – that they see a man from Caledonia, Arkansas grow up to become a war hero – or a woman from Rochester, New York become the first female Chief of Naval Operations – or an immigrant from Cuba become Secretary of the Navy,” said Del Toro. “As the world’s problems grow increasingly more complex and stability more uncertain, we need to tap into America’s most precious resource — its people — to solve the issues of the future.”
Read Secretary Del Toro's full remarks here.