"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
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 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."
From SM1 Munro's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on May 1, 1943.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
Memorial bust at the Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters
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