The Secretary’s Award For Outstanding Achievement is the most prestigious award bestowed by the Secretary of Transportation. It honors Coast Guard members who demonstrate exceptional leadership that contributes significantly to events or proceedings of import at a national or international level.
The second-highest award bestowed by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary’s Award for Meritorious Achievement honors Coast Guard members who demonstrate exceptional leadership or otherwise noteworthy service over a sustained interval, including service that results in major accomplishments, improved protocols, or other distinguishing contributions to Department of Transportation operations.
Created in 1994 and discontinued in 2003, the D.O.T. Outstanding Unit Citation honors United States Coast Guard units that carried out noteworthy service; it was the most prestigious award available to Coast Guard members at the unit level.
Established on December 7, 1992 and discontinued on March 1, 2002, the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal honors Coast Guard members who carry out exceptional service in a position or task of considerable responsibility while operating under the aegis of the Department of Transportation.
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the Department of Transportation created awards to honor civilians and military personnel who assisted in subsequent relief efforts. The Transportation 9-11 Medal was established in 2002 to honor civilians and military personnel who carried out heroic and courageous acts directly following the September 11 attacks.
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the Department of Transportation established a series of awards to honor civilians and military personnel who assisted in subsequent relief efforts. The 9-11 Coast Guard Ribbon was discontinued in 2002 but is still authorized for uniform wear.
