Has anyone from the Coast Guard ever won the Medal of Honor?
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In the U.S. Coast Guard’s illustrious 227-year history, only one of its members has ever been recognized with the Medal of Honor. Signalman First Class Douglas Munro earned the decoration in September 1942 at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
What are the perks of receiving the Medal of Honor?
In addition to a lifelong monthly stipend, Medal of Honor recipients have special “Space-A” – that is, “space available” – air transportation privileges, and their children can attend the military academies (without nomination and regardless of quota requirements), among other benefits.
Why did Douglas Munro get the Medal of Honor?

Douglas Albert Munro (October 11, 1919 – September 27, 1942) was a United States Coast Guardsman who was posthumously decorated with the Medal of Honor for an act of “extraordinary heroism” during World War II. He is the only person to have received the medal for actions performed during service in the Coast Guard.
What pension amount is earned by Medal of Honor recipients?
1, 2020, Medal of Honor recipients receive a $1,406.73 monthly pension with annual cost-of-living increases in line with the Social Security Administration’s increases. This comes on top of any disability or retirement pay. Enlisted military retirees who receive the medal also get a 10% increase in retirement pay.
How many Coast Guard medals have been awarded?
Coast Guard Medal | |
---|---|
First awarded | 18 March 1958 |
Last awarded | 26 March 2019 |
Service ribbon | |
Precedence |
Who was the most decorated military hero?

Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy (1924–1971) was the most decorated soldier in US history, winning 24 medals from the Congressional Medal of Honor down. His exploits were the subject of To Hell and Back (USA, 1956), in which he starred as himself.