Douglas Albert Munro

Signalman First Class · U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard

27 September 1942 · Place not recorded

Public domain. This image was copied from wikipedia:en. The original description was: Douglas A. Munro...photo released into public domain by the Douglas Munroe Division of the U.S. Sea Cadets. Also Official U.S. Coast Guard photo, available at: http://www.dodlive.mil/2017/08/06/only-coast-guard-medal-of-honor-recipient-saved-500-marines/ Source file

Branch: U.S. Coast Guard
Era: World War II
Home state: Washington
Action: Douglas Albert Munro, 27 September 1942

The citation

Official citation

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry m action above and beyond the call of duty as Petty Officer in Charge of a group of 24 Higgins boats, engaged in the evacuation of a battalion of marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz Guadalcanal, on 27 September 1942. After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of nearly 500 beleaguered marines, Munro, under constant strafing by enemy machineguns on the island, and at great risk of his life, daringly led 5 of his small craft toward the shore. As he closed the beach, he signaled the others to land, and then in order to draw the enemy's fire and protect the heavily loaded boats, he valiantly placed his craft with its 2 small guns as a shield between the beachhead and the Japanese. When the perilous task of evacuation was nearly completed, Munro was instantly killed by enemy fire, but his crew, 2 of whom were wounded, carried on until the last boat had loaded and cleared the beach. By his outstanding leadership, expert planning, and dauntless devotion to duty, he and his courageous comrades undoubtedly saved the lives of many who otherwise would have perished. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Sources

U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
Wikipedia. Linked only. The article text is not copied here.