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Rank and organization: Signalman First Class, U.S. Coast Guard Birth:
11 October 1919, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Accredited to:
Washington.
Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry m 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 machineguns 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.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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