Welcome to Flag Steward's
'Be a Stud Citizen' Message
for Wednesday, February 24, 2021
[ Pic by USMC Sgt. Knapp = public domain pic ]
'Be a Stud Citizen' Message
for Wednesday, February 24, 2021
[ Pic by USMC Sgt. Knapp = public domain pic ]
Since February is a Black History Month, we're going to focus this month's 4 'Be a Stud Citizen' Messages (1 per week) on a review of a few of the nearly 100 African-Americans bestowed with the US military's highest decoration (award) - the Medal of Honor.
[ 3 Ways for Students to Experience today's 'Be a Stud Citizen - Reminders from Our Flag': ]
[ 1) Scroll down this page and read it to yourself or perform it aloud for your school / classroom. If reading the page to a classroom, skip any text in [ brackets ].
2) Play & listen to the 'BASC' podcast as you or your classroom follow along while scrolling down this page on a device or classroom projection
or, 3) Play & watch, by yourself or with your classrooom on a projector, the screen captured short video performance of this page ]
[ 1) Scroll down this page and read it to yourself or perform it aloud for your school / classroom. If reading the page to a classroom, skip any text in [ brackets ].
2) Play & listen to the 'BASC' podcast as you or your classroom follow along while scrolling down this page on a device or classroom projection
or, 3) Play & watch, by yourself or with your classrooom on a projector, the screen captured short video performance of this page ]
[ Note: Flag Steward's 'Be a Stud Citizen' podcasts are available on nearly all podcast platforms for you to listen and enjoy however you prefer. ]
[ Note: If you can't access or play videos from YouTube in your school, then GO / CLICK HERE to watch today's stories from Our Flag on Loom. ]
Where is Our Flag, the U.S. Flag, at half-staff today?
[ CLICK HERE to see Half-Staff alert details, including pics, of Honorees ]
[ In case you didn't notice the difference from our usual "Reminders from Our Flag" page ... ... Yes, you've arrived at a special page, relaying our 'Be a Stud Citizen' Message, linked from a unique QR code on the Be a Stud Citizen - 2021 Interactive Calendar. ]
Be Inspired by American heroes:
[ U.S. Military Medals of Honor for (L to R) the US Army, the US Navy, Marine Corps, & Coast Guard, and the US Air Force ]
Medal of Honor recipient -
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley
Medal of Honor recipient -
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley
For courageously taking command of his infantry company, after its Company Commander was killed in action, then Gunnery Sergeant Canley led combatants of Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment to defend their convoy by fighting through and clearing enemy Viet Cong forces from house-to-house and street-to-street in Hue City, Vietnam from January 31 - February 6, 1968. For his actions, Gunnery Sergeant Johnny L. Canley was decorated with the Navy Cross. Then in 2018 after a military review of his brave combat actions 50 years earlier, an upgrade was made to replace the Navy Cross with the Medal of Honor.
Citation reads -
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.
Citation reads -
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.
And, now it's time to ...
Recite the Pledge of Allegiance
Recite the Pledge of Allegiance
Students across America, at school or at home, inspired to 'Be a Stud Citizen', like Medal of Honor recipient, US Marine Corps (retired) Sergeant Major Johnny Canley, please unite and recite the Pledge.
GO / CLICK HERE to elevate your Flag Steward daily experience by getting your own Be a Stud Citizen - 2021 Interactive Calendar