In 1998, Congress directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a certificate to honor United States Armed Forces members as well as eligible civilians who contributed honorably to the Cold War effort between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991. Those who received the Cold War Recognition Certificate may wish to accompany it with a medal and ribbon, though as an independently created award it is not eligible for wear on military uniforms.
Established in 1963, the Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal honors Coast Guard Reservists who honorably complete a tour of three years of service without disciplinary action; it is comparable to the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal.
Established on August 4, 1949, the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism, often referred to simply as the Coast Guard Medal, may be presented to members of the United States Armed forces or foreign allies who perform a heroic act or risk their lives while carrying out service on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard, typically in a non-combat capacity.
Created in 1923, the Coast Guard version of the Good Conduct Medal may be presented to any active member of the United States Coast Guard who demonstrates three uninterrupted years of honorable behavior in service.
The Coast Guard Expert Rifle Ribbon accompanies the Marksmanship Medal, which is the highest award for weapons achievement.
The Coast Guard Expert Pistol Shot Ribbon accompanies the Marksmanship Medal, which is the highest award for weapons achievement.
Established on August 4, 1949, the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal honors members of the U.S. Coast Guard who perform service of an exceptional nature on behalf of the government in the execution of a significant operation beyond normal duties.
Established on August 26, 1947 as the Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal received its specific branch designation on October 2, 1959. It honors members of the Coast Guard who perform heroic or otherwise exceptional acts or comportment to distinguish themselves from their peers, but typically of a lesser degree than would warrant the Bronze Star or Coast Guard Medal.
Created in 1976, the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal Ribbon honors U.S. Coast Guard personnel and qualifying civilians who carry out three weeks of service north of the Arctic Circle consecutively, either aboard a vessel or onshore.
Established in 1967, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal is the U.S. Coast Guard-specific version of the Achievement Medal. Each branch of the military offers a version of the award, and the United States Department of Defense has also authorized a version of the award to recognize joint activity among more than one branch. The award category was established in order to offer recognition to junior officers and other personnel who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Meritorious Service Medal or the Commendation Medal.
