The citation for the Medal of Honor, which was presented to Douglas Munro's parents, reads as follows:

DOUGLAS ALBERT MUNRO, SIGNALMAN FIRST CLASS, U.S. COAST GUARD

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of a group of Higgins boats, engaged in the evacuation of a Battalion of Marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, on September 27, 1942. After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of nearly 500 beleaguered Marines, Munro, under constant 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 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 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 up his life in defense of his country.

Douglas Munro's Medal of Honor is on display at the United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey.

REST IN PEACE DOUG

quote:

As he closed the beach, he signalled 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.

The true shield of freedom. It still makes me pause when I think of what he did that day.

Thank you for the reminder of our selfless history! I'm sending this to the entire ESU tomorrow. It's too bad that we have constant reminders of what "heritage" month we are observing, but we rarely get reminded of the things that truly reflect who we are as members of the US Coast Guard. Thank you again!

Rest in Peace Doug you truly did this country a service when you saved those Marines. And I know that the Marine Corps will (Nore will I) ever forget your sacrifice. Again Rest in Peace.

As the doctor notes above, Munro's MOH is displayed at Cape May. Anyone have an idea about the one in the CG Museum NW at pier 36 Seattle ??? A substitute or display only medal ???

If ever in the Pac NW you should take the time to drive east on 90, over the pass to Cle Elum. A very nice, hometown memorial. A well done to those who constructed it.



It usually irritates the liver out of many when I post photos about the past CG, but this was very hard to find originally, and is appropriate in this context. But a photo of the presentation of the MOH to Munros mother by FDR.

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I saw the Doug Monroe when I was driving I took a picture of it. That was awesome

It is indeed a nice spot to get off the highway and spend a moment. Glad you got to see it.