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Photo #  NH 102453:  Signalman Douglas A. Munro, U.S. Coast Guard

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Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, USCG, (1919-1942)

Douglas Albert Munro was born on 11 October 1919 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in September 1939 and had achieved the rank of Signalman First Class by September 1942. On the 27th of that month, while leading a group of landing craft during the Guadalcanal Campaign, he participated in the evacuation of U.S. Marines from the beach at Guadalcanal's Point Cruz. Using his boat as a shield between the Japanese and the Marines, he enabled the operation to proceed successfully, but was killed by enemy gunfire. For his "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry", Signalman First Class Munro was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The escort ship USS Douglas A. Munro (DE-422), 1944-1965, was named in honor of Signalman Munro.

This page features our only view of Signalman 1c Douglas A. Munro, USCG.


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Photo #: NH 102453

Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, USCG


Halftone reproduction of a portrait photograph, published in "Medal of Honor, 1861-1945, The Navy", page 229.
Signalman Munro was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action" during an evacuation under fire of U.S. Marines at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, on 27 September 1942.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 77KB; 565 x 675 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 229):

"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 signalled the others to land, and then in order to draw the enemy's fire and to 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."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 21 December 2001