April 2, 2025

Douglas Munro: The Only U.S. Coast Guard Medal of Honor Recipient

Douglas Albert Munro (October 11, 1919 – September 27, 1942) is the only member of the United States Coast Guard to receive the Medal of Honor.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Munro grew up in South Cle Elum, Washington. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1939 and served with distinction as a signalman first class during World War II.

On September 27, 1942, during the Guadalcanal Campaign, Munro led a daring mission to evacuate nearly 500 Marines who were trapped under heavy enemy fire at Point Cruz. He skillfully positioned his landing craft to shield the withdrawing Marines, providing vital cover that allowed the evacuation to succeed. Munro was fatally wounded during the mission. His reported last words were, “Did they get off?”—a reflection of his selfless dedication to the mission and his fellow servicemen.

For his extraordinary heroism and sacrifice, Douglas Munro was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His legacy lives on in the Coast Guard and beyond, with multiple ships and facilities named in his honor.

I recorded an episode about Douglas Munro over two years ago. If you want to hear more about his story, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/3M5_Z65uLaE

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