A Coast Guardsman's Story: Commander Raymond Joseph Evans

 

Commander Raymond Joseph Evans was born on February 22, 1921, in Bellingham, Washington. He enlisted in the US Coast Guard following high school and met up with Singleman First Class Douglas Munro in orientation. The two became a pair of best friends known as the "Gold Dust Twins" and would remain together throughout the early part of World War II.

Commander Raymond Evans trained as a coxswain and deployed to Lunga Point during the Guadalcanal campaign. During the Second Battle of The Matanikau in September of 1942, Commander Evans assisted in the Marines' evacuation after their positions had been overrun.

Despite being wounded, he remained at this post, ferrying US Marines from the Island, and at one time had to steer the boat with one hand while returning fire with the other. Commander Evans would earn the Naval Cross for his actions, and, unfortunately, the other member of the Gold Dust Twins, Signalman Douglas Munro, would be killed during this operation.

Commander Raymond Evans remained with the Coast Guard following the war, earning his commission and retiring in 1962. He died on May 20, 2013, and rests in Lakewood, Washington's Mountain View Memorial Park.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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