ALCOAST 400/25 - SEP 2025 83RD ANNIVERSARY OF SIGNALMAN FIRST CLASS DOUGLAS A. MUNRO'S HEROIC COMBAT ACTIONS AND ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

R 261808Z SEP 25   MID120012100712U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 400/25
SSIC 1000
SUBJ: 83RD ANNIVERSARY OF SIGNALMAN FIRST CLASS DOUGLAS A.
MUNRO'S HEROIC COMBAT ACTIONS AND ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
1. Tomorrow marks the anniversary of Signalman First Class
(SM1) Douglas A. Munro's heroic combat actions and ultimate
sacrifice during the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon
Islands on September 27, 1942, during the Pacific Campaign of
the Second World War. In the face of intense enemy fire,
SM1 Munro selflessly gave his life to save U.S. Marines who
were trapped. His valor earned him the posthumous Medal of
Honor, with the following 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 five 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 two 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, 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 his life for
his country."
2. SM1 Munro epitomizes the very best of the U.S. Coast
Guard. He represents our proud history as a military
service, our enduring heritage, and our Core Values of Honor,
Respect, and Devotion to Duty. His courage in the face of
extreme danger serves as a powerful inspiration to us all,
reminding us of our duty to defend the Constitution and the
Nation.
3. As we reflect on SM1 Munro's legacy, we also reaffirm our
commitment to the future. Through Force Design 2028, we are
transforming the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable, and
responsive fighting force, ready to meet the challenges of a
rapidly changing world. Let us strive to be worthy of his
memory and sacrifice as we carry on his spirit of selfless
service.
4. We will always remember him, and we will always prevail.
5. Semper Paratus.
6. ADM Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant (CCG), and MCPOCG Phil
Waldron, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, send.
7. Internet release is authorized.