The legacy of Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro

70 years ago today, Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro led the evacuation of a Marine battalion from Guadalcanal during a Japanese counterattack. Munro was fatally wounded during the operation and his last words were, "Did they get off?"
Munro was awarded the Medal of Honor and remains the only Coast Guardsman to ever earn the military's highest award for valor.
To learn more about Munro's sacrifice and heroism, visit: goo.gl/NZzFX
This documentary reflects on the sacrifices and lasting legacy of Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro.
U.S. Coast Guard video.

[@paulmowery5326]

Alot of people forget that it was mostly the Coast Guard that manned the boats taking in the troops during the WWII landings. From Guadalcanal to Normandy to Iwo Jima, the Coast Guard was there. They are the true unsung and forgotten service. My father landed in Normandy on Omaha Beach. He said the crew manning his boat took them almost all the way in and went back for more troops. How many times has the Coast Guard aided vessals in distress, saved civialians on sinking boats, conducted search and rescue operations without getting any recognition or publicity. It's time for the nation to take a close look at what they are doing and show some gratitude. Thanks for posting this. Please excuse any spelling or grammarical errors.

[@tc1uscg65]

Paul Mowery Paul, not many know the CG has 43 battle streamers, Navy 40 and Marines 32. The Army and Navy count involvment differently but we count them per war/action. Most marines are aware how the CG didn't leave them behind when the Navy wrote them off.

[@lukeshaver1149]

+Paul Mowery The Coast guard saw a lot of combat with the German and Japanese planes, and saw a lot of combat with U-Boats aswell.

[@lancewarren5954]

My first night in Coast Guard boot camp, May 25, 1971 we were told by BM Angel, "Gentleman, congratulations you've joined the Coast Guard. The official motto of the Coast Guard is, Semper Paratus...Always Ready. The unofficial motto of the Coast Guard is, You have to go out, YOU DON'T HAVE TO COME BACK!". I'm not so sure they have the same dedication today as we did back then. I can only hope so. RD3 Lance Warren USCG 1971-1975.

[@michaelmcdonald8877]

Yes they do....... RM2 Michael J. Mcdonald,USCG 1973 to 1977

[@wewd]

"You have to go out, but you don't have to come back." SEMPER PARATUS

[@vincegunz]

I was taken to the Douglas Monroe Memorial at USCG Training Center Cape May once and was taught the true meaning of courage. This lesson was taught to me on the evening of September 11th 2001 immediately following my company being hearded through an already setup room to be told of the events in NYC and shown still images and a small video clip of the devastation that had occurred earlier on that horrendous day and marched out to make room for the next company. My Company Commander, Senior Chief Darrick L. DeWitt, then calmly marched us to the front of the Douglas Monroe Memorial, ordered us to take a knee, and after a few obvious moments of inner reflection, proceeded to emotionally, pationately, and in great detail tell us the story of Douglas Monroe's selfless acts of bravery that resulted in his being awarded with The Congressional Medal of Honor. By the end of his tale, Most of the Company, myself, and even the story teller were atleast slightly emotional. My eyes were most definitely teared up. Still to this day, my memory of the event are flawless and goosebumps appear on my forarms when recalling it. You see, while most other CCs were using the horrible attacks as a a fear based teaching tool to prove to us the seriousness amd importance of our time there, Chief DeWitt droped the phsychotically Angry Company Commander Act briefly and instead chose to do something honest, nessesary, and positive. For him to pationately tell a story of such sacrifice, bravery, and selflessness in a moment, for us, of shocking uncertainty and fear will forever be the single most inspiring moment of my life of 37yrs. I will forever be grateful to, the now, Master Chief DeWitt for that choice. Those words changed me for the better and have helped shape me ever since. I thank men like Mr. Monroe and Mr. DeWitt for their examples. Examples which I look to in attempt to be a better man. MCPO DeWitt actually awarded me with the Navy League Award and Honor Graduate Medal at the end of those 8 weeks in Bootcamp and I would have to say that due to my obvious admiration and respect for him, that those small awards are ones im most proud of during my 9+ years in the CG. I was even able to serve with him, myself a GM2 - GM1 at a MSST a few years later. Although, I really do wish that I would have told him about the lasting impression he has left on me as well as the immense gratitude I, and certainly most all members of Mike 160 feel for what he taught us that day. Maybe one day, this book I have typed in the comment section here will find him. Only time will tell. And that my friends is my story relating to the very brave man that this video is about. written with haste, but without cause by, -prior Gunners Mate 1st Class Vince Thompson served: Base Detroit USCGC Staten Island MSRT Chesapeake MSST KingsBay MSST San Francisco

[@ff-ou4sb]

Semper Paratus! Well done and thank you for sharing this story.

[@keleran]

Served on the USCGC Munro (WHEC-724) from 1991 to 1993. I know his legacy since it was required of all who served aboard that vessel.

[@oldwarrant4]

I served in CGC MUNRO with the plank owners. It was an honour. May SM1 Munro's memory be Eternal!

[@19keely58]

my father was a signal man. i had the honor of accompanying him to the signal man's tower. i now have his flags...i am humbled by this privilege.

[@tedhernandez5989]

Thank you so much for this video. Bless the men and women in the United States Coast Guard. Rest in Peace Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro.

[@JimSmith-yi9tz]

Did they get off.... Munro's last words..... So powerful! My USMC friends told me they are all aware of this...

[@emilymunro1340]

Jim Smith my grandpa made Munro honey

[@emilymunro1340]

I am a munro

[@johncritchlow8156]

Served on the Munro WHEC 724, in 1980-81, under Capt Sardison. Very proud to have served aboard her.

[@TheUndert0ker]

Pretty good video. Makes me proud to have been a part of this organization, and to have saved lives.

[@jameslee3944]

Wow that’s pretty hardcore, basically after joining they were put on a boat and taught while working. Semper Fi Coasties, thanks.

[@nuccten]

Nicely presented. Thanks for posting. Semper Paratus.

[@sequoyah59]

Well done.

[@AndyREDDSON]

13 years in the Guard and I’ve never saved a single life… Been on or associated with many SAR missions (as watchstander at Rio, as Helm/Lookout at ACACIA and SOCKEYE), but never saved one myself.

[@obfuscated3090]

The team does the job, one way or another. As they say, there are many ways to serve.

[@equalalienx_x9393]

Semper parutus

[@treasurecoastgypsy]

USGCC WHITE SAGE WLM_544. " Be Realistic Demand The Impossible "