The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*MUNRO, DOUGLAS ALBERT
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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