Born: October 11, 1919
War: World War II
Rank: Signalman First Class, U.S. Coast Guard
Location of Action: Point Cruz Guadalcanal
Date of Action: September 27, 1942
Official Medal of Honor Citation: 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.
DOUGLAS ALBERT MUNRO
