Douglas Munro and the Battle of the Matanikau

In September 1942, a group of U.S. marines was trapped behind enemy lines. A group of Navy landing craft came to the rescue, under the leadership of two Coast Guardsmen. The History Guy tells the story of the only U.S. Coast Guardsman to have been awarded the Medal of Honor. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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Script by THG
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[@chuckmathis958]

Toward the end of my time in the CG I walked through the locker room of the downtown YMCA in uniform. A group of retired Marines and Squids started chattering about the “puddle pirate” and “shallow water sailor” when an older retired Marine told them “Shut the hell up, Doug Munro got me off that beach”. I was stunned.

[@greggross8856]

Saw a photo many years ago in a WW2 history book from the Iwo Jima campaign. It showed a Coast Guardsman aboard an LST, hanging upside down, dead, from a 40mm AA gun tub, still in his life jacket. The Marines and others so fond of "puddle pirate" jokes should probably see that image.

[@mileshigh1321]

Chuck Mathis Thankyou ! The Doug Munro story broke me up! But your comment made me say " Right on!" One of the positives of social media is it keeps the memory of incredible people like Doug alive! Thanks for sharing!

[@buckrogers7498]

I was in my CG uniform waiting for a very early morning carpool, when this aged retired law professor comes into the lobby of my apartment building. He looks at my uniform and says, "I knew some young boys in the Coast Guard. They put me on beaches I didn't want to go to, and took me off of them when we were done." Turns out he was a Marine infantry officer who served under Chesty Puller. He hadn't heard of Douglas Munro, but when I told him the story of Munro, he said, "A lot more of them deserved the award." Semper Paratus and Semper Fidelis.

[@NYHalfassprepper]

I started my Coast Guard career in Jan 1987. Every coast guardsman learns about Doug Munro in boot camp. His picture is everywhere. However the lesson you get is not as good as this video.

[@densealloy]

@@greggross8856 easy there Greg, it is just some joking around. Interservice rivalry is healthy. Coasties can take it, that is if they weren't grounded on a sandbar, working on their tan all day long. Plus Marines have brain damage from all crayons. So be nice to 'em

[@davidforce5617]

As a former Marine I thank you for rescuing my Brothers off that beach so long ago.Semper Fi and Semper Paratus Chief.

[@tomjustis7237]

A little additional information: Following Douglas Munro's death, his 48 year old mother, Edith, joined the Coast Guard's women's auxiliary (SPARS) to carry on his legacy. Upon completion of training she was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LtJG). She served throughout the war and rose to command the Coast Guard station in Seattle, Washington.

[@elslick]

That is one bad ass mom

[@judithburke1539]

That's an amazing woman. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@bobgreen1272]

My mother was also a lieutenant JG in the first SPAR group!

[@elslick]

@@bobgreen1272 Tell her If she is still here I said from one vet to another thanks.

[@workingguy6666]

An entire family of Americans who had what it took. Wow. To me, they were a national treasure.

[@danjohnston9037]

His last words; "Did we get them off? " Seeing a nod in response, he smiled , and was gone.

[@tylerfoss3346]

No greater love....

[@hydrolifetech7911]

I unsuccessfully fought back tears as he narrated that even though am not an American

[@Andrew-13579]

Yep, choked me up. To borrow a quote from another story, "Where do we get such men?" And to make one up of my own: When will we ever not need them to do such things? Today I remember those who served and gave all for the benefit of others, from 18th to 21st centuries. And hope for a day when a world of free people can retire the last weapons.

[@mileshigh1321]

@@kerrytusc Yeah me too...Only the good die young.

[@yoburbrassbar8107]

As our song says: "Fight to Save, or Fight and Die!" Which is exactly what he did. USCG, 1964-1968

[@wewd]

Douglas Munro is the pride of Cle Elum, Washington. There is a tribute to him at his grave site by the Coast Guard every year on his birthday.

[@Patrick_Cooper]

He must have known my Grandpa Buchanan. He was the sheriff of the small town of South Cle Elum, and its Mayor. He was the kind of guy who would do anything for anyone, and delivered the first load of logs to the Grand Collee dam...

[@webbtrekker534]

Every chance I get, when I pass through Cle Elum, I stop a pay my respects. Hand Salute Douglas Munro. A fitting program for this Memorial Day! The .30 caliber machine gun mentioned was actually a Savage M1917 Lewis light machine gun that fired 30-06 cartridges, the same rounds used by American M1 combat rifles at the time. The painting shown in the video clearly shows the Lewis guns. This gun would make a great episode for THG.

[@Channelscruf]

Amphib Aav Lay off.

[@pattonpending7390]

Amphib Aav : You must be fun at parties!

[@andyZ3500s]

@@comm2531 you should seek help.

[@achasonc]

I was told, every August 4th, the Commandant of the Marines Corp presents a birthday card to the USCG, due to the dedicated, courageous service of Douglas Munro. Thank you for this Lance & Heidi Geiger.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Never question the bravery and fight of the Coasties. Underrated, underequipped, underappreciated. They have served us in War & Peace.

[@terryboyer1342]

I heard a CG officer once state "They keep asking us to do more and more with less and less. Soon we'll be able to do everything with nothing!"

[@kiplingslastcat]

We have done so much for so long with so little that we can do anything forever with nothing.

[@brendonjohnson6595]

Semper Paratus.

[@dogstar7]

Semper Paratus. It was an honor and a privilege to serve in the USCG. "The Bluejacket Manual says you gottta go out, it don't say you gotta come back"

[@yoburbrassbar8107]

I was talking with an ex-Navy guy a couple of years ago and we were doing the usual inter-service rivalry, joking name calling (squids/puddle pirates) thing, and then he turned to me and got all serious. He said: "But you guys are the ones who sail IN to hurricanes." Thank you, sailor. USCG 1964-1968 100% @John of Drones!

[@kiplingslastcat]

As a Coastie, I really appreciate you telling this story on Memorial Day. It means a lot to me and I am grateful to you. Semper Paratus.

[@KorbinX]

Thank you for your service

[@MichaelAllen-po4eo]

As a Marine who learned about Doug Munro while in recruit training, shame on the USCG recruit training command for not making this part of recruit curriculum.

[@armyboybrodie]

@@MichaelAllen-po4eo it is! We all learn about him.

[@MichaelAllen-po4eo]

@@armyboybrodie ...as I was.

[@jimcrowley1856]

I learned this story in 1981 at USCG boot camp, along with my fellow recruits. I always thought it should be part of Marine knowledge also. "We're Coast Guardsmen. We do what we're asked to do." Fucking A. USCG 1981-1990

[@BlueBaron3339]

The most fitting Memorial Day tribute we're likely to see today.

[@rundoetx]

I agree whole hardheartedly.

[@donnahimpler6649]

Happy Memories

[@johnchambers2996]

Yeh, sure is great to hear something appropriate for this Memorial Day other than the civilian hijacking of this day for Covid-19 "heroes".

[@beachbum200009]

@@johnchambers2996 When someone puts their life at risk to save others they are heroes…. military or not.

[@johnchambers2996]

@@beachbum200009 Memorial Day is one day a year set aside to honor those real heroes who gave their lives in answering their country's call during wartime. Other people save lives all the time and doing the job you are financed to do is not in that same order of merit. Memorial Day doesn't deserve to be hijacked via another big civilian relativistic fart-off, either by you or any of the other covid-19 pushers.

[@briangarrow448]

I worked for years with a retired Coastie. I remember him saying about their duty, "You have to go out. You don't have to come back." Props to a valiant son of Washington state.

[@AThreat2Democracy]

Yes, they used to say that. That's not the case anymore. Now they want everyone to come back.

[@robm7543]

Back in the late 70's I was in the Coast Guard and went to the PHS hospital in San Fran for something or another, I was in uniform. As I walked up there was an older guy of crutches standing by the building, he had hat on saying he was a veteran of WW2, Korea & Vietnam. As I got closer he said "I don't like coasties"... I stopped & he said "every time I saw a guy from the Coast Guard he was driving me in a little boat to where people tried to kill me". Then he smiled at me... In the CG we were taught in boot camp about who Douglas Munro is & what he did but this is by far the best story of what happened there that I have heard. Thank you!

[@KCODacey]

As a retired Naval officer, such stories these reaffirm my 26 years spent in the company of heroes. Semper paratus, shipmate.

[@KorbinX]

Thank you for your service

[@silentotto5099]

The video mentioned a navy coxswain who was wounded and later died from his wounds, Samuel Roberts. He was the same Samuel Roberts who was the namesake of a destroyer escort, USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413). That ship earned it's own place in the navy hall of fame when it stood off the Japanese northern force at the Battle off Samar during the invasion of the Philippines in late October 1944.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

Yes Taffy 3..

[@Dave-jd9qn]

@@Guitfiddlejase Eponym. But you are correct.

[@MissouriOzarkHillbilly]

Also the namesake of USS Samuel B. Robert (FFG-58) which survived an Iranian mine blast in 1988. "No Higher Honor"

[@glocke380]

I knew I had hears his name before.

[@saxon6]

"Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" by Hornfischer. A must read

[@brentgranger7856]

The Coast Guard is often overlooked as part of the US military, but thanks for telling a story about how badass they can be.

[@matthewronson5218]

The Coast Guard is not part of the military, but it is part of the Armed Forces- except under Presidential order when they can operate under U.S. Navy umbrella and in direct combat support operations. This is because of their law enforcement role on the high seas. Boarding a suspected drug runner/smuggler on the high seas can be considered an act of war if the military does it, but it is not an issue if it's under USCG Law Enforcement provisions. When the Navy does anti-drug ops, they have a USCG Officer on board and fly the USCG flag, which grants the Law Enforcement aspect to the Navy assets.

[@louisludlum8030]

Matthew Ronson You are correct. I did drug enforcement operations with them while onboard a Navy ship. Don’t recall exactly the exact way it went down but just before we approached the suspected drug runner, the Captain would turn “command” over to the Coast Guard Lieutenant so he could order the boat to heave to or it would be fired upon. The Coast Guard team would board the ship as my helicopter hovered over covering them with an M-60 machine gun.

[@John-tx1wk]

@@matthewronson5218 The Coast Guard is most definitely a military service. Right from Title 14 of the USC: "The Coast Guard as established January 28, 1915, shall be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times. The Coast Guard shall be a service in the Department of Homeland Security, except when operating as a service in the Navy."

[@buckrogers7498]

@@matthewronson5218 Sorry to say that you're wrong. 1. The Coast Guard is a military branch under 14 USC SS 101. I think you're confusing "Armed Forces" with "Uniformed Services" of which also includesf NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and PHCCS. 2. Coast Guard personnel are also subject to the USMJ under peacetime and wartime, just as any other military branch. 3. The reason other military branches can't enforce laws isn't because it would be considered an act of war, it's because of the Posse Comitatus Act that prevents the military from enforcing domestic laws. When US Coast Guard conducts law enforcement missions they do fly under the Coast Guard Ensign, that is a fact, but it's to place the naval asset under Coast Guard command to enforce US and international laws.

[@dwlopez57]

@Me Smith I don't know if the thing about an E1 is true but even if it is there's no way an E1 would be on that situation, they'd still be in training I would hope that no matter what the law or regulations say that the higher ups would put there.

[@lonnymo]

I am from Ellensburg and had no idea I had driven past Douglas Monroe’s grave site many times. This was a really nice way to honor him. Thank you. USN SWC.

[@turtlethailand]

Thank you for always remembering the Coast Guard. I've heard "they're not military" too often but you always remember them. As a Coastie spouse, it means the world ❤️.

[@KorbinX]

Thank you and your spouse for your service

[@comm2531]

The hell they are not military. They sure are!!!

[@dwlopez57]

Most Americans know so little about the military it's sad. One reason so many people don't think of the USCG as military is because most people's experience is seeing the fighter planes of the air force or the navy, some times maybe seeing a destroyer escort or something. The coast guard is so small most people hardly ever see them and when they do they're often in small boats enforcing boating laws. Because their mission is so different from the other services they often get overlooked. Much of their time is spent on not traditionally military duties like law enforcement, recscues,, boater safety so many people aren't realizing that they6 available and ready for the fighting when needed.

[@tygrkhat4087]

@@dwlopez57 The Coast Guard is the sole water patrol for the inland waters of the US, the Great Lakes.

[@turtlethailand]

@@dwlopez57 It's true, but it makes the knowledge a few display mean so much more.

[@jimmiller5600]

Any unit with the unofficial motto of "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back." is as far out on the Bravery Scale as you can get.

[@fewtoes]

@michael perry NO ONE is irreplaceable, NO ONE.

[@ma8rk]

Thank you for this. I served in the Coast Guard as a Gunner's Mate, on active duty from 1975 thru 1990. Though officially a branch of the Armed Forces, we were under the administration of the Department of Transportation during peacetime and didn't enjoy the lavish funding of our DOD brethren. Our 5 inch guns were literally left over from WWII, our 20mm guns were repurposed Korean War era guns taken off of jet fighters, our .50 cal HBMGs and M-16s were mostly ex-army cast-offs from Vietnam. Yet, we always performed our many peacetime duties while maintaining full military readiness, proudly referring to ourselves as "the tight nucleus around which the US Navy forms during war and national emergencies". Truly, Semper Paratus! May all our brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have paid so dearly for our freedom and the way of life we so often take for granted, rest in eternal peace. God Bless America!

[@ericgrace9995]

My father fought in WW2 ( 1939 -45) and I'm named after my mother's brother, who died on the Lanacastria in 1940, when it was hit during the Dunkirk evacuation . My father rarely talked about the war, save one Christmas, after a few glasses of scotch. He'd seen Bergen Belsen, and he still teared up some 40 years later, when talking about what he saw. Thank you for your stories of ordinary men doing extra ordinary things.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

The Lancastria was evacuating troops from western France. Dunkerque is the name we all know, for the bulk of soldiers, but there were other ports used.

[@ImpmanPDX]

Doesn't matter that he was a Coastie, that man deserves a full oorah!

[@stevedurden3691]

Cory, I gather you are a Marine? A friend of mine told me he learned about Munro in boot camp and later showed me an issue of Leather Neck Magazine with him on the cover. When us chiefs were working on making his grave site a memorial we were afraid the marines would hear about it and make it a Marine memorial first.

[@ImpmanPDX]

@@stevedurden3691 No, my family are all merchant Mariners; lately out of Port Hueneme, but I do know a number of marines, and Munro def. saved some leatherneck bacon that day :)

[@tjmul3381]

OORAH! and a Solemn Semper Paratus, Brother. From this Marine.

[@christopherm.2001]

H.U.A...GO ARMY

[@genesmolko8113]

We'll pretend you didn't say that if you are ever in danger at sea

[@reggierico]

This is a fine story for our Memorial Day! Thanks to all the 'Coasties' everywhere, you are among the finest men and women in this country.

[@danshearer7627]

I'd just like to know the names of the 10 fools who put a thumbs down on this video.This guy earned the CMH posthumously and you give it a thumbs down? This guy had guts and sacrificed himself for others.

[@63DW89A]

+Dan Shearer You just can't fix "STUPID". Just take comfort in the knowledge that there are 6700 thumbs up to to 15 thumbs down. That means roughly 1 person out of 467 is "Terminally Stupid"

[@wlewisiii]

@Herbert B. Bondsh More likely a Trumpian coward who avoids service and only likes war criminals like the ones the Mango Moron pardons. Socialist. Sergeant. US Army.

[@assessor1276]

William Barnett-Lewis “mango moron...” heheheh. Good one Sarge

[@mikeblubaugh8988]

The same people that take a knee at football game's, they dont get it and never will,pray for them

[@justme_gb]

Likely some buffoons who are mad at KZbin for blindly recommending The History Guy video when they care nothing about history.

[@bradleycred99]

I recall a statue of Douglas Munro at Cape May, NJ where I completed USCG Basic Training. Additionally, I learned about Douglas Munro in a USCG History Class taught while in basic training. Semper Paratus 🇺🇸 to all of my fellow “Coasties” past, present and future.

[@Underwaystudios]

I don't remember the Statue but will always remember Cape May and the history class during boot camp. Senior Chief who taught the class was an awesome guy. Can't remember his name but that class was my favorite part of boot camp! Though it was my 5th choice, I ended up on Taney and now so glad that I did. graduated boot camp October, I think, 1980. Lima 107 if my memory serves me right. Semper Paratus brother!

[@davehoward2791]

I graduated Cape May in May 1987, Yankee 124. Retired in 2017 an an AMTCS ( former AD). Semper Paratus my friends! 👍

[@brendonjohnson6595]

Semper Paratus, shipmate.

[@buckrogers7498]

India 138. Semper Paratus.

[@bobmcelwain4657]

Noveber. 42. 1. 20. 64

[@DavidKutzler]

I worked as an ambulance attendant (this was 1972, before EMTs) with a WWII veteran as my driver. He was in the Coast Guard, and was assigned to a unit whose primary mission was to operate troop transport ships in massive convoys crossing the north Atlantic for the build up for the D-Day landings. They were under strict orders not to stop for any reason, not even to pick up survivors of ships that were sank by the attacking Nazi Wolf Packs. We were working on Memorial Day when I noticed that he was unusually sober looking. When I asked if he was okay, he began weeping and told me about hearing the desperate cries for help from the men in the water from the ships that were sunk, and being powerless to help them. He said that every Memorial Day he thought about those men whose only grave was the cold and cruel North Atlantic.

[@tony3313]

Powerful.

[@tehbonehead]

When Chesty recommends you for MoH... Dang.

[@jamesleathers5488]

That really says something right there for sure.

[@tehbonehead]

@@jamesleathers5488 Right? There's Marines that'd give a nut for a nod of approval from Chesty...

[@Grunt802VT]

@@tehbonehead both!! Semper FI

[@jackalbright8803]

I'm a Marine. From here forward I will hold Coasties in high respect

[@bobperrine6193]

"Did we get them off?" devotion like that is heroic beyond words!

[@jtgd]

That's the signs of an honorable man

[@anthonymiller4550]

Wow, thank you, I have served in the Marines and I am currently in a branch of the USCG/merchant marines. I have heard many stories with Chesty Puller in them but this was is a new and inspiring story. We are grateful for you inspiring rendition of events. God Bless

[@colinsdad1]

As a 4th generation Veteran, I was VERY proud and glad to watch this story. EVERYONE forgets about the perils and sacrifice the USCG made in WW2- they definitely deserve to be remembered on this rather odd Memorial Day, 2020!

[@dannyjones3840]

Damnit, who's cutting onions?? First you cover my beloved Marines Lance, and then you tell of heroism and gallantry on the part of this young Coast Guardsman. Such a fitting episode on this day, when so many of us take the time to remember friends we lost.

[@TreeTop1947]

Amen, Danny! And Semper Fi! TreeTop

[@stevedurden3691]

Thank you so much for this video, especially on Memorial Day. As a Coastie Douglas Monro is my hero. I went to the funeral of Commander Evans and the last time I re-enlisted I did it at Monro's grave site. Thank you for such a great detailed account.

[@shawnk2851]

When I was a Coastie back in the day, I never had a problem getting a free drink from a Marine in a MarBar. Thank you History Guy for putting this out. The Coast Guard motto is "Semper Paratus" (Always Ready). Which we always added "Simply Forgot Us".

[@Absaalookemensch]

Retired Air Force, this is forgotten history that deserves to be remembered. An excellent episode of a group of real heroes. Thank you

[@1stPCFerret]

The "Samuel Roberts" who died on Guadalcanal gave his name to the _USS Samuel B. Roberts,_ who joined the attack on the Japanese fleet at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. I suspect Roberts would have appreciated that, as the actions of the Roberts, and DDs Johnston, Hoel, and Heerman prevented the Japanese fleet from sinking the Taffys and wiping out the transport fleet in Leyte Gulf.

[@timothychadwick8910]

For as much rap as the coast guard gets they definitely deserve praise for all that they do.

[@vaclav_fejt]

rap? This new trend of ommitting the initials rives me ad.

[@samsignorelli]

All the branches give each other shit....because we've earned the right to do so. But I guarantee that for all the crap the other 4 branches give the Coasties, if you're lost at sea and see that red and white livery on a chopper or cutter heading your way, you KNOW your chances of making it home just shot up like a rocket.

[@louievanhollebeke9461]

I visited Douglas Munro's gravesite yesterday for the first time. In the 80's I attended the same college as he had, and knew the name, as there is a dormitory that bares it. I have driven through his hometown many times, and why it took me this long to stop by, I can't explain, but it was very moving. The town takes very good care of their cemetery, and his gravesite in particular. He is the pride of Cle Elum and always will be. As a former Marine Lieutenant, I have all the respect in the world for Douglas Munro and his fellow Coast Guardsmen who served so heroically. Thank you History Guy for this video, these types of videos are an important service and very much appreciated.

[@FrostySumo]

Doug Munro was my great Uncle. Have to ask my Grandmother more about him. Always have to tell people it is not Monroe (the president) but Munro. I have a hat with the USCG Munro on it. I will have to find it.

[@uprightape100]

My grandfather was an officer on the Hunter Liggett. Thank you so much for this.

[@kineticarrangements]

I love when you cover Medal of Honor winners. I get misty-eyed and filled with inspiration. Not to overlook those millions of un-decorated heroes whose stories might never be told. But thank you for doing your best to tell the history that deserves to be remembered.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

You said it. Millions of unknown stories. Scouts tortured to death without revealing a word, citizens giving their lives to protect allied movements,...

[@nicholasrui1611]

That my friends is America. I feel these days it is lost on our new generations.

[@LShapedAmbush]

It seems that every generation is convinced that the next generation is soft and unmotivated. WWI vets thought that about the young servicemen heading into WWII. WWII vets thought that about the young servicemen going into Korea and Vietman. That generation, in turn, worried about our troops headed to Grenada, Panama and Somalia. Those vets worried about the troops headed to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every generation was wrong.

[@joeyjamison5772]

@@LShapedAmbush Thanks Alan. I was in during Vietnam and after things did not go our way, along with all the social turbulence that it caused, thought the same thing: "Who's going to defend the country?". The People will. They always have.

[@buckrogers7498]

Millennials and now Gen Y or whatever it's called (neither is important) are fighting and dying in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq, volunteering to fight and die in an age of no draft. It seems every older generation blames the younger generation. Still, we have soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coasties doing their job every day to keep our country safe. So when you complain about the new generation being lost and not doing their part. Well look at the latest footage in the warzone and see that these young men and women are volunteering to do what they do. They do it without the draft of previous eras.

[@dorsai]

A story well worth sharing. Thanks for helping to keep their memory alive.

[@knightforlorn6731]

I am always impressed with the sacrifice of our fellows in the service. Respect. My grandfather served ww2 around this time in the navy. He was in the pacific. He was involved in a motorboat rescue operation and he describes having to make a second pass to pull 2 men from the water. the crew had actually been denied the go ahead to try a second pass but had tried anyways and succeeded under fire from the shore. He's still around history guy, wanna do an interview?

[@colinsdad1]

A Live Streaming event perhaps??? My Dad is a Vietnam combat veteran who served in the 25th inf Div-69/70: his unit was the 1st to invade Cambodia in 1970. The stories he has from his time overseas (along with other Vietnam vets) Deserves To Be Remembered....Some Gave All, All Gave Some.

[@tpobrienjr]

An old saying, from the Life Saving Service days, was "They say we have to go out, but they don't say we have to come back".

[@colinsdad1]

@@tpobrienjr Bhuel a dúirt, Mr.O'Brien!

[@la_old_salt2241]

I'd love to see this happon!

[@Andrew-13579]

Regardless, DO get his whole story, if you can. Record it with video and write it down while you still can. And for all of us, tell him, thank you! My dad was just a seaman, 2nd class, on the heavy cruiser, USS Salt Lake City, CA-25, from '44 to '45. There are many stories I'd like to hear, many questions I'd like to ask him. But he passed away in 2008. I wish I had asked him more.

[@jebsails2837]

I was a "Navy Brat" from birth to age 12. I remember reading in the late 1950's in a "Classic Comic" about MoH winners, and in particular about this Coastguards man action. None of my friends believed me. Thanks for this snippet. Narragansett Bay.

[@dennisammann9104]

What a fitting tribute to watch The History Guy’s account of SM1 Douglas A. Munro, USCG during the Battle of Guadalcanal, on this sacred day, Memorial Day! My mother served in the USCG during WWII as a SK3, stationed in Long Beach, CA at a USCG repair facility. When ever I hear stories of valor by the ‘Coasties’, both during war and peacetime, I shed a tear after reading or hearing their stories. SAR has always been the USCG’s expertise no matter what the weather or danger, in Petty Officer Munro’s case, bullets... I can tell you, my dearly departed mother has met him up yonder! God Bless our fallen comrades-in-arms, all of our departed Veterans, and our very own The History Guy who NEVER forgets them! Semper Paratus Coasties! Fair winds & following seas, Dennis, Navy Vet (20 years). P.S. My 2nd ship, USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830), was named after a Marine who was killed at Guadalcanal covering his fellow Marines crossing a river, exposing himself to protect them. Semper Fidelis Marines!

[@davidbright8978]

This was taught to ever marine when I was in boot camp during the 90s. The painting of him shooting the machine has been b Posted in almost ever marine building I seen

[@neil03152]

Tears came to my eyes hearing this.

[@RDEnduro]

I was really moved hearing his friend's story with Monroe, and you told it so well.

[@Mr.Deleterious]

Its an honor to have shared the same national banner as that young man. What a damn fine hero. It's always the men you least expect during battle that pull through to save the day and become remembered for their bravery, sacrifice and courage. This truely was history that deserves to be remembered. 🇺🇲

[@swj719]

The part I liked best - and the part that you almost always hear - is that when basically asked "hey, will you go do something insanely dangerous and all but suicidal?" The answer usually boils down to something like "can we do it twice?"

[@patpatterson12]

Seems to me, a US Army enlisted veteran, that ALL the Coast Guard does is to place themselves at risk to rescue others. To be selected out of THAT tradition as a worthy representative is an honor, indeed. Semper Paratus! (and bite me, spell check, for making me type that three times so it didn’t say simper Paramus)

[@webbtrekker534]

The little town of Cle Elum is over run once a year with hundreds of CG to honor this man. From Admirals on down and Marine Honor Guard to boot because their story inter twined.

[@josephstroup2414]

Thank you. As a retired CG Chief I seldom hear anything about the Coast Guard especially on Memorial Day.

[@hadleyscott1160]

This needs to Never Be Forgotten. Never.

[@DomTV2010]

My wife’s uncle was at Guadalcanal - he served in the Navy and told me what he saw. Horror is the word that comes to mind when I remember the conversations we had about it. Uncle Dan stayed in the Navy until the 70’s and retired with the rank of lieutenant commander. Then he went on to become a high school teacher. He passed away last fall at the age of 97. It’s men like Douglas Munro and Uncle Dan who fought not for glory, but to keep their friends and loved ones living in a free country. To those who fell in battle, thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. Their families also served and we thank them as well.

[@Auggies1956]

Actor Eddy Albert also distinguished himself rescuing in a similar situation during the Pacific war he survived.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/novTe32Pl8tko9U

[@em1osmurf]

@Strange Dee* Lee oh, they were out there. frank sinatra, for instance.

[@johnemerson1363]

Yes! He was at Tarawa.

[@bullettube9863]

@@em1osmurf Frank Sinatra never served in the military.

[@bullettube9863]

@@johnemerson1363 Frank Sinatra never served in the military.

[@williamgoonan6365]

I've seen that Medal. My son has held it, when he was assigned to the USCG Museum in New London. He was assigned there for 7 weeks while he was in between assignments.

[@PeterOkeefe54]

Also unknown to history is my father in law. Pfc Salvatore Ferrara of the 247th field artillery. On guadalcanal he delivered much needed ammo to his 105 battery K. The initial landing by Vandergrifts first had no artillery of its own so the army chipped in with the 247th FA. presidential unit citation, bronze cross and multiple purple hearts were just a few of his decorations. The Cross was a downgrade from his initial reccomendation because "the Sparrow" (as he was known by in the Canal's newsletter)was a diciplinary problem from day one. Due for discharge in Febuary of 42..it never occured. The constant pounding by the japanese took its toll on dad for the rest of his life. Malaria and PTSD haunted him forever. In 1980's his daughter and I adopted korean children and I could see the conflict he had with the asian faces...it lasted about one hour and he was a wonderfull grandad as well as the father i never had. Miss him and all his generation who were so generous with there blood and sacrifice so liberty might survive...not too sure lately(corona) if it has.

[@Zaluskowsky]

👍

[@Whistor]

As a retired Coastie, he certainly isn't forgotten history there. A piece of our history that is less well known is the defection of Simas Kudirka. I only knew about it because the USCGC Vigilant, my second ship, was involved though many years before I got there.

[@Patrick_Cooper]

I was on the first Cutter Campbell out of Port Angeles, 1976 to 78. Quite a old ship for the day. Built in 1936.

[@philipclock]

What's the story?

[@hlynnkeith9334]

​@@philipclock RE: The defection of Simas Kudirka en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States_Coast_Guard#The_Kudirka_incident There are two errors in the Wikipedia account: 1) Rear Admiral William B. Ellis, commander of the First Coast Guard District, was informed that the President would be pleased to receive his resignation vice administrative punishment; and 2) Commander Ralph Eustis, CO USCG Vigilant, was cashiered. In addition, the Coast Guard commandant, Admiral Chester Bender, was asked by the office of the President to retire. Because all flag officers extend beyond the mandatory 30-year service by acts of Congress, that there would be no act to extend Bender's service made his retirement automatic. It may be that the penalties posted in the Wikipedia account were the initial punishments, but I assure you that the final punishments were much more severe. Anyway, it became a TV movie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYS6Y5-DqcmApKc A friend of mine sat the Coast Guard board that investigated the Kudirka incident. The board recommended court martial for Eustis. IIRC the board published its recommendations in 1974. The office of the President intervened and issued the punishments set out above. My friend and I argued the propriety of the punishments many times over many rounds of beer. Eustis was cashiered based on precedent set in 1798 with Captain Isaac Phillips of the USS Baltimore. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Baltimore_(1798) [To say that the Wikipedia account is lacking is to praise it too highly, but I haven't the time to find better.] President John Adams cashiered Phillips and issued stern orders to his ship commanders: When faced with overwhelming force, you will surrender your ship and your men, but in no case shall you surrender your ship without your men or your men without your ship. I never heard what happened to the State Department officials aboard the Vigilant that day, but I hope it was unpleasant.

[@Whistor]

@@philipclock Here is a much more comprehensive report contemporary to the event, published just a couple years later in Lithuania. www.lituanus.org/1972/72_3_03.htm

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you for highlighting the efforts of the two Coast Guardsmen, sailors and marines at Battle of the Matanikau. I'm a Navy veteran and can attest to other contributions by teh Coastguard. When my ship and others established the coastal blockade of Vietnam, Operation Market Time, USS Coastguard was well represented in our patrols.

[@mudduck754]

I learned this story many years ago when I was a Sea Scout. Out and about on the Sound. And have stopped at his grave many times when I have been over to that side of the hills over the years. I have friends and family over around Cle Elum and Roslyn.

[@densealloy]

I was putting off watching this, as a Retired Marine and the son of a Retired Coastie, this story always chokes me up. I grew up hearing this story from my Father and other Coasties as Munro's bravery is famous in the Guard. When I became a Marine I learned about Chesty Puller, who didn't mince words, he spoke with reverence of Munro and knew a thing or two about bravery, selflessness, devotion, and wore 5 Navy crosses himself. So when he recommends someone for the MoH, he is about as close to the definition of an expert and hard to impress. Semper Fi, Coasrguardmen Munro and Evans and Goodnight, Chesty wherever you are.

[@captbad9313]

I never knew this till now. I've been boarded by the cutter Douglas Munro numerous times, while fishing the Bering sea waters. But had no idea of the history of its name. I actually had radio comms with the Munro making passing arrangements during February of this year. This was a big WOW! for me when I connected the dots with the picture of the cutter. Next time they board, it will be an honor having them board us as I will thinking about this story and the name sake of the vessel, its always a pleasant couple hours, where they go thru the books and check our safety equipment, we usually just keep working while the do there job.Thanks, this really made my day. Have a great memorial day everyone..

[@ericmillergppianoman8611]

Thank you for this wonderful tribute to two very brave men.

[@dleland71]

THG, your reports never fail to inspire and bring tears to my eyes. They are well researched and presented in such a way to make me feel proud remembering that, "Freedom is NOT Free".

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

For some reason this one in particular.

[@cavtroopermunoz]

Remembering my father today who was on Guadalcanal as a SeeBee. An old family story is that he was told to clean the latrine by an officer and instead blew it up. RIP dad.

[@drenk7]

Thank you for remembering our 4th armed service . Also a very brave one of the over a million service men and women who have died in the service of the United States.

[@michaelwier1222]

Beautiful story, thank you. My wood shop teacher, Bob Osgood, as a Marine at Guadalcanal.

[@Rex-ii2yz]

I teared up on this one. Thank you.

[@woychck4]

Thank you for honoring the Coast Guard, a part of my life being proud of to be in. Douglas Monroe shows along countless others of what we the Coasties, Our service and strength are defined by our Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Thank you again. Semper Paratus

[@chrisostling805]

For Memorial Day I held a Jam Session where we were all Veterans. Our Drummer was a Vietnam Combat Vet. Music heals the worst wounds and Dan left with a shit eating grin on his face, way worth it.

[@extractedentertainment8213]

Thank you for this. USCG 2002-2010.

[@s.marcus3669]

A perfect way to begin Memorial Day, 2020!

[@johnbrady7431]

Infantryman here. Thank you to all those that have done what they had to do for our troops. They need it. Thank you too, History Guy. Great content!

[@davidleadford6511]

Douglas Munro remains the only US Coast Guard Medal of Honor recipient to this day.

[@jamesmurray8558]

I was stationed at the Cle Elm ranger station, Cle Elm,Wash. There was a graveyard next to the station we clean it up.

[@willyeverlearn7052]

Gotta have my History Guy.

[@John_NJDM]

Thank you, from a Coast Guard vet, for posting this on Memorial Day to remember Munro.

[@sisenor4091]

I hate the History Guy. No FX, no long videos or especial guests. Just a man telling interesting stories. I’m hooked.

[@gus473]

👍 Semper Paratus! Thanks, History Guy! Some of my favorite topics from you lately! 😎

[@dobypilgrim6160]

Our governor here in New Mexico has forbidden Memorial Day remembrances. I am going to our National Cemetery here in a little while anyway. I'll include Munro the gallant Coastie in my thoughts while I am there

[@hlynnkeith9334]

Doby Pilgrim Remember Governor Grisham come election time.

[@joeyjamison5772]

It sounds like you need another governor. One with a brain and a backbone.

[@spinecat]

​@@hlynnkeith9334 It was to prevent the spread of Covid.

[@spinecat]

@@joeyjamison5772 It was to prevent the spread of Covid. Get a brain.

[@hlynnkeith9334]

@@spinecat Are New Mexico's results better than South Dakota's?

[@peterjulianphotos4659]

I have always had a fascination of indigenous war veterans after having the privilege of nursing a veteran of the 28th Maori Battalion who saw service in Crete and Italy (including the infamous battle of Monte Cassino). A humble man from rural New Zealand, nearly 70 years after the battle he still mourned the loss of his teina. I also have had the absolute privilege of helping Australian Aboriginal veterans. It would be a great honor for the History Guy to acknowledge both of these groups and their efforts.

[@surferdude44444]

Another great story HG. Hats off to the Coasties. My dad was a Marine who saw action at Peleliu with the 1st Marines. He hated Chesty Puller's guts till the day he died. That's another story for another time. Marine experts and historians know why. As a former Marine myself, who served in Vietnam, we all knew the Coasties were always patrolling in their brown water boats, chasing down sampans and little barges that contained enemy ammo and mortar rounds (I hated mortars.) They saved a lot of American lives. They never got much press, but thank god for them.

[@rundoetx]

I wasn't aware of this story and its a great one. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank You so much for posting.

[@assessor1276]

What a great tale of gallantry and devotion to duty.

[@cscam56]

Great to see a USCG story and none better than hero Douglas Munro.

[@MidnightMoon2267]

My Dad’s Coast Guards men and my Marines kicking ass together. From a young Veteran to the greatest Generation, thank you.

[@cogidubnus1953]

Wow...now that really is history that deserves to be remembered!

[@WiliiamNoTell]

What a great story of bravery and sacrifice! God bless are veterans. Thank you for sharing !🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@michaelkaylor6770]

As a Retired Marine with a Retired Coast Guardsman for a father, this is very meaningful!

[@nickdsylva932]

Thank you, Australia, for taking in all the men who fought on Guadalcanal, when the higher ups wanted them all to just billet in a soccer stadium. The Marines lived in the houses of many Australians who helped them overcome the horror of the battle they had just been in, and prepared them for the next fight they were headed. 'There were a lot of Aussi-American babies born nine months after the Marines landed in Australia.

[@HarrisonGoldfarb]

THG, I love your videos and I am hoping that you would consider doing a video on the Warsaw Getto Uprising and the Warsaw Uprising. Both of which are severely unknown to most people. Thanks!

[@John-ru5ud]

And don't forget Samuel B. Roberts. A destroyer escort (DE-431) was named for him. The USS Samuel B. Roberts was sunk in the Battle off Samar protecting the US forces from the Japanese Central Force, including the IJN Yamato. It was known as "The destroyer escort that fought like a battleship."

[@MissouriOzarkHillbilly]

DE-413. As for DE-413's contribution in the Battle off Samar, 3 guided missile frigates were named in honor.... USS Copeland (FFG-25)-named for LCDR Copeland, CO of DE-413, USS Carr (FFG-52)-named for Gunners Mate Paul Carr and, of course, my ship, USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58). "No Higher Honor"

[@steventrostle1825]

I was a Navy man and spent 44 months in the Western Pacific during the VietNam conflict, I have always had nothing but respect for ALL branches of the service. In Vung Tau I met a couple Coast guard men and we enjoyed a few beers while swapping lies. I kidded them about the size of their craft and asked them if the boat had been transported over the ocean in a floating dry dock-kidding them of course-No they sailed ir across the Pacific. We all had a good laugh and later I saw their ship, it was TINY! I crossed the Pacific on a 997' fleet oiler and at times it was harrowing so after that I refrained from saying that they (the Coast Guard) never went out so far that they couldn't walk back.

[@billbradford888]

Thanks for this video. I knew about Douglas Munro from my father who was in the Coast Guard during the war. What I didn't know was that Munro was on the Spencer and a signalman. My father was a signalman on the Spencer from 1943 to 1946.

[@Houndini]

Right day Right story. I read this story some where else. 1 more Great story from THG.

[@Paladin1873]

"They will live a long time, these men of the South Pacific. They had an American quality. They, like their victories, will be remembered as long as our generation lives. After that, like the men of the Confederacy, they will become strangers. Longer and longer shadows will obscure them, until their Guadalcanal sounds distant on the ear, like Shiloh and Valley Forge." - James Michener, Tales of the South Pacific

[@webbtrekker534]

Michener had a lot of great quotes. Having been in Submarines, I like this one: "I saw the submariners, the way they stood aloof and silent, watching their pigboat with loving eyes. They are alone in the Navy. I admired the PT boys. And I often wondered how the aviators had the courage to go out day after day and I forgave their boasting. But the submariners! In the entire fleet they stand apart!” -- James Michener

[@byronbuck1762]

Unbelievable heroism. Great piece.

[@bryantsemenza9703]

Thanks History Guy for your excellent story on Douglas Monroe. That’s just one of the many reasons the US Marines and US Coast Guard are very close services. Because the Coast Guard fell under the Dept of the Navy, many other heroic acts of the United States Coast Guard during World War II which medal of honor‘s should have been given fell aside. I just wish other US Coast Guard personnel could be reviewed and metals resubmitted. Thank you again history guy for this wonderful episode. Retired USCGR Chief Petty Officer.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Right now as I watch this video I'm watching TCM Battle Cry . This is what is showing.

[@xvsj5833]

THG Thank You for sharing 🇺🇸 and remembering this Hero of WWII 🇺🇸

[@richardreynolds6398]

Ex-Coastie here. Thanks for telling this story. I lost mate in a shipping channel accident. Good man. I still grieve for him. We do our job and keep our oath just as the others do.

[@sharonmullins1957]

I am in tears. The strength and valor of our military is taken for granted, by many. Thank you for keeping all of us safe.