Dear Readers,

I appreciate the input everyone has given during my first month at the head of this feature of Guns & Patriots. Thank you and keep it coming! I am honored to be able to continue bringing this to you and look forward to hearing more of your opinions!

This month, I’d like to feature WW II recipients, and I thought we’d it kick off with the only Coast Guard recipient of the war; truly an inspiring individual.

Make the most of your day!

RJL

Douglas Albert Munro

Rank and organization: Signalman First Class, U.S. Coast Guard 
Birth Date and Birth Place: 11 October 1919, Vancouver, British Columbia. (Accredited to Washington State)
Date and Place of Action: 27 September 1942, Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

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 machine guns 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.