A Vietnam veteran will finally receive a Medal of Honor after being denied the award 10 times.

John Canley, 80, is a retired sergeant major who's been credited with saving more than 140 Marines during one of the deadliest battles in the Vietnam War.

President Donald Trump called Canley on July 9 to share the news that the veteran living in Oxnard, California, will be receiving the nation's highest military award.

'He thanked me for my service and also wanted to thank my Marines for their service,' Canley told Military.com.

Marine veteran John Canley will finally be given a Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump after being denied the award 10 times. The 80-year-old living in Oxnard, California, is credited with saving numerous lives during one of the deadliest battles of the Vietnam War

The retired sergeant major took a leadership role in the week-long battle at Hue City in 1968. He is pictured fourth from the left in the image above

The 80-year-old had previously been awarded a Navy Cross, two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for leading the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines through a week-long battle at Hue City in 1968.

He is credited with taking charge of his group after his commander was seriously injured and braving heavy enemy fire to bring his wounded brethren to safety.

'I'm just happy that I could provide that,' Canley said. 'It was an honor.'

One of the more than 147 men Canley is credited with saving is former Pfc John Ligato, who has spent the last 15 years lobbying for the war hero to be given the Medal of Honor.

'The Medal of Honor was rejected 10 times - never on the merits of what he did, it was always procedural,' Ligato said.

'He was totally fearless. He loved his Marines, and we loved him back.'

'There were times I gave up. But the irony is he's one of the most deserved Medal of Honor recipients ever in the history of our country.'

Previous requests to recognize Canley with the Medal of Honor were denied because it is supposed to be given within five years of the recipient's particular achievement.

Defense Secretary James Mattis reviewed Canley's file in 2017 after California congresswoman Julia Brownley drew attention to his case.

The Democratic representative was ultimately able to pass a resolution allowing Canley to be recognized.

Canley received the Navy Cross, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart for his time in the Marines. He is pictured with Sgt Freddy Gonzales in Hue City

The war hero is said to have assisted numerous wounded comrades during the battle

Canley is pictured with California Rep Julia Brownley, who spearheaded the resolution to allow for the Marine to receive the Medal

Ligato has described Canley as a strong but caring leader during the confrontation between 147 Marines and 10,000 North Vietnamese troops.

'I know this sounds strange, but he wasn't one of these gruff, screaming guys. You did stuff for him because you didn't want to disappoint him,' he said.

'You followed him because he was a true leader - something you need in life-and-death situations.

Ligato said he and his comrades rarely speak about the war, but that each one of them had positive memories of Canley.

'We all had a Gunny Canley story,' he said. 'They were all different, but they all involved tremendous acts of valor.'

The date of the White House Medal of Honor ceremony has yet to be set, but Canley has already asked Ligato to speak about his company's Marines.

The 80-year-old who has been battling prostate cancer said he wants future generations of Marines to know 'that leadership is all about taking care of your people.

'If you do that, then you basically don't have to worry about the mission,' he said.