Established by President George W. Bush in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation honors United States Coast Guard units that served in relief efforts around the Gulf Coast read more »
Established on October 28, 2009, the Coast Guard Overseas Service Ribbon honors Coast Guard members on permanent assignment who satisfactorily carry out a minimum term of one year at an overseas station or aboard a ship assigned in an overseas region. Reservists who have carried out at least 36 days at an overseas station during each one-year period are also eligible. read more »
Created in November of 1973, the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation is the Coast Guard version of the Meritorious Unit Commendation; it honors Coast Guard units that exhibit exceptional conduct while carrying out heroic or valorous acts. read more »
The Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation honors lower-ranking Coast Guard commands that distinguish themselves through outstanding performance or contributions to the Coast Guard as a whole while also exhibiting noteworthy teamwork. read more »
The Coast Guard Expert Rifle Ribbon accompanies the Marksmanship Medal, which is the highest award for weapons achievement. read more »
Created in September of 1990, the Coast Guard E Ribbon (sometimes referred to as the Coast Guard Excellence Ribbon) recognizes Coast Guard units on any cutter that achieves the Operational Excellence Award during its annual training refresher course. read more »
Established on July 16, 2008, the Coast Guard version of the Combat Action Ribbon honors Coast Guard members who carry out satisfactory active service onshore or in seaborne engagement with hostile forces. Prior to 2008, Coast Guard awardees received the Navy/Marine Corps version. read more »
Discontinued in 1991, the Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation honored units of the U.S. Coast Guard for service taking place between March and October of 1989 and in commemoration of the 200 year anniversary of the founding of the Coast Guard, which was originally known as the Revenue Cutter Service. It may still be worn. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Sustained Service Award Ribbon honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists who complete 750 hours of volunteer Auxiliary service. This service must be properly documented. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Specialty Training Ribbon honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists for successful completion of a specialty course. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Plaque of Merit A honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists who exhibit outstanding skill in the act of an assist or a rescue, typically involving risk of life. A successful rescue is not required. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Program Ribbon honors Coast guard Auxiliarists who qualify successfully in any of the following roles: air observer, AtoN verifier, Auxiliary crew member, Coast Guard boat crewman, Coast Guard boat engineer, or Coast Guard watchstander. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Service Ribbon honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists who carry out service in support of Coast Guard operations. Administrative support does not qualify for the award; eligible roles include SAR desk duty and watchstanding. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Merit C Award honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists who exhibit outstanding behavior or achievement in excess of typical standards. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructor Ribbon honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists who successfully complete the instructor program. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Meritorious Achievement Ribbon honors one Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla annually per region that is determined to have delivered the greatest performance in the Auxiliary program for the designated year. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal was created to recognize United States Armed Forces personnel who perform service of an exceptional nature on behalf of the government in the execution of a significant operation beyond normal duties. It is typically reserved for senior officers and intended to recognize service that benefits the Auxiliary organization substantially and in excess of expectations.Only the Commandant is authorized to grant the Coast Guard Auxiliary version of the award. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Examiner Ribbon honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists who carry out service in roles as commercial fishing vessel examiners, marine dealer visitors, or vessel examiners. read more »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Certificate of Operational Merit B honors Coast Guard Auxiliarists who exhibit noteworthy skill while carrying out assist or rescue operations typically not involving risk of life or who exhibit sustained excellent conduct over a period of time. read more »