US Coast Guard photograph
Today is the 70th anniversary of the death of SM1 Douglas Munro, who died saving 250 Marines from almost certain death, on an isolated beach, on an infamous killing ground called Guadalcanal.
Most all of us who have served in the Coast Guard have heard the story. For background there is also the story of the unit he was part of, NOB Cactus.
I find myself asking again, will there be a Cutter Munro? It was to have been the seventh National Security Cutter, but it has been deferred indefinitely. I still feel, naming the first OPC for our Medal of Honor winner, and giving his name to the entire class, would be most appropriate.
The Commandant has published his thoughts on the anniversary here:
http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2012/09/the-legacy-of-signalman-1st-class-douglas-munro/
Went to the service this morning in Cle Elum. Big turn out of blue suits and a fair number of Marines.
Information and photos about memorial services here. http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1564707/Multimedia-Release-USCG-USMC-community-recognizes-the-70th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-Coast-Guard-Medal-of-Honor-recipient
Very nice report of a tribute to SM1 Munro.
http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/09/coast-guard-marines-nation-remember-signalman-1st-class-douglas-munro/