The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Major John Joseph Canney (MCSN: 0-6094), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Executive Officer of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 28 November 1950. When a strong enemy force overran local outposts and threatened the Battalion command Post, Major Canney immediately organized headquarters personnel and established defensive positions. As the enemy troops moved to within twenty yards of certain command post installations, he, without regard for his own personal safety, courageously moved among the defense positions and directed the fire of his men, lending words of encouragement and redeploying the troops as necessary to meet the pressing penetration until he was mortally wounded. By his outstanding leadership, daring initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Major Canney aided materially in containing the enemy attack and in gaining the necessary time in which to launch a coordinated, successful counterattack, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.