Douglas Albert Munro, was born in Vancouver Canada of American parents on 11 October 1919, but spent his entire life before enlistment in South Cle Elum Washington. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1939. He had an outstanding service record as an enlisted man, and was promoted rapidly through the ranks to Signalman First Class.
On September 27, 1942, Munro was acting Officer in Charge of ten Higgins boats that landed Marines on a beach head on the south Pacific island of Guadalcanal. Once landed the Marines were met by an unanticipated large enemy force, and faced certain annihilation.
Petty Officer Munro volunteered to lead the boats back to the beach to evacuate the Marine force who were facing over whelming enemy fire. While in command of the boats Munro brought them back onto the beach under heavy enemy fire, and proceeded to load the Marines back into the boats. After the majority were loaded, Munro noticed that the rear guard of Marines, who had been providing cover fire for the evacuation , were having trouble getting out. Petty Officer Munro maneuvered himself and his boats into a position to cover the last group of men as they headed to the boats. In doing so, he exposed himself to greater enemy fire and suffered a fatal wound. In his last moments of life he uttered the the now famous words "Did they get off"? It also should be mentioned that one of the Marines evacuated from this situation was Marine Corp hero and icon, then, Lt Col Lewis "Chesty" Puller.
For His heroic and selfless actions in the completion of this rescue mission Petty Officer Munro was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor.
I only recently learned the story of Petty Officer Munro, but now having a stronger connection to the Coast Guard and after 32 years of Naval service, I have a new found respect for their accomplishments. James Michener is quoted in his book "Bridges at Toko Ri", "Where do we find such men"? The answer in short is that they walk among us the 3 percent, that are out there right now, doing what they do best. Keeping us safe and making it look easy.
Semper Paratus, Old Captain sends
Coast Guard, Marines, Nation remember Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro
No comments:
Post a Comment