The United States Medals of Honor

What is it?It is the highest U.S. military decoration, awarded to members of the armed forces for

their gallantry and bravery in combat risking their lives for others.How is it Awarded?

It is presented by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress.Who is eligible?

Any member of the U.S. Armed forces is eligible to receive the Medal of Honor.

Douglas Munro was a Signalman First Class in the United States Coast Guard. He fought in World War .Ⅱ

Douglas Albert Munro

Douglas Albert Munro was born on October 11, 1919, in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. His father, James Munro, was from California, and his mother, Edith Thrower Fairey, was from Liverpool, England. Douglas was still considered a U.S. national citizen despite being born in Canada.The family moved to the U.S. in 1922. They moved to Washington, where his father worked for Warren Construction Company as a electrician. He had a sister named Pat; she was two years older than him. Douglas grew up in South Cle Elum Washington. Where he attended grade school. He graduated high school in 1937, and he went on to Central Washington College of Education. He attended college for a year before enlisting in the U. S. Coast Guard in 1939. He was rapidly promoted from his outstanding record as an enlisted man to Signalman First Class.

Douglas Albert Munro

When Douglas Munro lost his life, he had already played an important role. He was in charge of a detachment of ten boats of Marines, and he successfully landed them, He led his boat force to a previously assigned rally position. Immediately upon his arrival, he was told by the officer-in-charge that conditions at the insertion point were not what they expected. The Marines were being attacked by a larger Japanese force. They needed to be removed immediately. Munro volunteered to lead the boats back to the beach for the evacuation. He was in charge of the rescue, and he got the boats to shore under heavy enemy fire. He continued to get the Marines off of the beach. Munro moved his boats into a position to cover the remaining Marines to get on the boats. When he did this he exposed himself to greater enemy fire. There, he was shot and killed. It was reported that his final words were “Did they get off?”

For his heroic and selfless actions in the completion of this rescue mission Munro was awarded the Medal of Honor. He was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal. His other decorations included the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Receiving the Medal of Honor

Douglas Munro showed courage, dependability, heroism, and outstanding leadership. He bravely gave his life for his country.

Character Values Demonstrated

Born Died11-10-1919 9-27-1942