[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1847-E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF SIGNALMAN FIRST CLASS, DOUGLAS ALBERT MUNRO

                                 ______


                         HON. KAREN L. THURMAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, American spirits were recently raised by 
the celebrated rescue of Air Force Capt. Scott O'Grady from 

[[Page E 1848]]
Serbian controlled territory in Bosnia. Captain O'Grady was literally 
plucked from hostile territory in a daring and well executed rescue 
performed by a highly dedicated group of U.S. Marines, men whose 
devotion to duty is so great that they regularly put the well-being of 
their comrades ahead of their own safety.
  There is another group of professionals who train intensely and put 
their own lives at risk on a daily basis to help others in their time 
of need. The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard saves lives and 
property every day, most often under extremely hazardous and sometimes 
warlike conditions. In fact, during actual wartime, the Coast Guard 
fights side by side with the other armed forces.
  Mr. Speaker, during the Second World War, the Coast Guard had more 
casualties, percentage wise, than any of the other branches of the 
military. However, throughout the Coast Guard's 200-year history, there 
has been only one member of the Coast Guard who was a Congressional 
Medal of Honor winner; he was signalman first class, Douglas Albert 
Munro.
  On September 27, 1942, three companies of approximately 500 marines 
were trapped on Guadalcanal. They were being overrun by an overwhelming 
and rapidly advancing Japanese Force. Douglas Munro led a flotilla of 
10 landing craft in an effort to evacuate the marines.
  As Munro directed the boats toward shore, the Japanese began firing 
on the vulnerable craft from Point Cruz, some ridges abandoned by the 
marines, and from positions east of the beach landing area. This 
intense fire from three strong interlocking positions disrupted the 
landings and caused a large number of casualties among the virtually 
defenseless crews in the boats.
  Despite the relentless fire from all three sides, signalman Munro 
kept the boats moving toward the shore. Reaching the shore in waves, 
Munro continued to lead them to the beach, two or three at a time, in 
order to pick up the marines. While the marines were running for the 
landing crafts, Munro and his shipmates provided covering fire from an 
exposed positions on the beach.
  As the marines attempted to board the landing craft, the Japanese 
continued to fire from the ridges about 500 yards from the beach. 
Munro, realizing the danger, maneuvered his boat between the enemy and 
the withdrawing marines to protect the remnants of the battalion. 
Because of his leadership and strategic thinking, all the marines who 
made it to the beach, including 25 who were wounded, managed to escape.
  With the marines finally safely in the boats, Munro led his small 
fleet off shore to safety. But before they were fully out of harm's 
way, the Japanese set up a machine gun on the beach and began firing at 
the boats. One of his crew members shouted a warning to Munro, however 
the roar of the craft's engine prevented Signalman Munro from hearing 
the shout. A single bullet struck him in the base of the skull and 
Douglas Albert Munro was mortally wounded. He lived just long enough to 
be told by this shipmate and friend that all the marines were safe. 
According to eye-witness accounts, Douglas Munro died with a grin on 
his face and love in his heart.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to report that on September 27, a fitting 
memorial to the heroism and dedication to duty of Douglas Munro is to 
be dedicated in Crystal River City Park in Citrus County. Much of the 
credit for putting together the memorial must go to Ken Harrington, 
president of the Crystal River Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4272, PO 
Roger Jones and CPO Timothy Cavanaugh of the Coast Guard Station at 
Yankeetown.
  Mr. Speaker, this is truly a community project, supported by the 
Crystal River Redevelopment Commission, the Crystal River City Council, 
and the Florida chapter of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
  In addition to the memorial, 20 historic trees will be planted in 
public areas of Crystal River for the enjoyment of everyone. A 
continuing education program will be provided to local school children 
as well, so that they can appreciate the past sacrifices of Americans 
like Douglas Munro.
  Mr. Speaker, in many parts of our great Nation, the bonds of family 
and community seem to be fraying. People have at times lost a sense of 
community and an appreciation for the past. Not so in Crystal River. In 
Citrus County, the links between the past, present, and future are 
emphasized and the lessons of history are taught enthusiastically to 
those who will one day guide this Nation.
  Everyone who took part in planning the memorial to Signalman First 
Class Douglas Albert Munro deserves our sincere thanks for making sure 
that the lessons of history are not lost and that the values we cherish 
are preserved for all time.

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