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Rank
and organization: Signalman First Class, U.S. Coast
Guard Born: 11 October 1919, Vancouver, British
Columbia. Accredited to Washington.
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.
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The
President of the United States