Records of the U.S. Coast Guard, 1785 - 2005. Official Military Personnel Files, ca. 1898 - ca. 2004. Official Military Personnel File for Douglas A. Munro. Citation Awarding the Medal of Honor to Douglas Albert Munro, 9/27/1942.

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Records of the U.S. Coast Guard, 1785 - 2005. Official Military Personnel Files, ca. 1898 - ca. 2004. Official Military Personnel File for Douglas A. Munro. Citation Awarding the Medal of Honor to Douglas Albert Munro, 9/27/1942.

1942

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/597061

This is the citation for the Medal of Honor granted to Douglas A. Munro during his service in World War II. The full citation reads: "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 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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National Archives at St. Louis

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SNAC Resource ID: 11647088

National Archives at St. Louis

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Munro, Douglas A. (Douglas Albert), 1919-1942

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6k758b6 (person)

Douglas Albert Munro (October 11, 1919 – September 27, 1942) was a United States Coast Guardsman who was posthumously decorated with the Medal of Honor for an act of "extraordinary heroism" during World War II. He is the only person to have received the medal for actions performed during service in the Coast Guard. Munro was born in Canada to an American father and a British mother, and his family moved to the United States when he was a child. He was raised in South Cle Elum, Washington, and...