Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Coast Guard

Douglas Albert Munro

Details
  • Rank: Signalman First Class
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Coast Guard
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: September 27, 1942
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Citation
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in 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 machine guns on the island, and at great risk of his life, daringly led five 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 two 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, two 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.
Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas A. Munro
Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas A. Munro
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Washington
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: May 24, 1943
    The White House (Oval Office), presented by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt to his mother, Edith Munro
  • Born: October 11, 1919, Vancouver, Canada
  • Died: September 27, 1942, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
  • Buried: Laurel Hill Memorial Park (MH), Cle Elum, WA, United States
  • Location of Medal: U.S. Coast Guard Museum, New London, CT ; Douglas Munro Barracks, Coast Guard Training Academy (duplicate Medal), Cape May, NJ
 

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