Munro, Douglas Albert

He was a U.S. Citizen (his parents were U.S. citizens temporarily residing in Canada at time of Munro's birth).

He lived most of his life in Cle Elum WA USA.

He is buried at the Laurel Hills Memorial Park in Cle Elum, Washington USA.

He enlisted in the US Coast Guard in 1939.

He served in <em>USCGC Spencer</em> 09-21-1939.

He served in <em>USCGC Hunter Liggett</em> 06-23-1941.

He served in <em>USCGC Joseph T. Dickman</em> 11-01-1941.

He served in <em>USCGC Leonard Wood</em> 11-06-1941.

He served in <em>USCGC Hunter Liggett</em> 04-3-1942.

He served in the <em>USS Neville</em> 05-30-1942.

He served in <em>USS McCawley</em> 09-27-42 where he was killed in action.

He was awarded the US Medal of Honor posthumously for his action 27/09/1942 at Point Cruz Guadalcanal.

He was the only member of the United States Coast Guard to be awarded the USA's highest military honor. "For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty as Office-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 [sic] 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." The Medal was presented to his Mother by Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States.