Coast Guard Auxiliary Distinguished Service

Coast Guard Auxiliary Distinguished Service Ribbon

Buy Coast Guard Auxiliary Distinguished Service Ribbon

History

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.

In instances of exceptional wartime services, the award may be granted to individuals who are not members of the U.S. Armed Forces at the discretion of the President.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was created by Congress on June 23, 1939 to provide support for Coast Guard operations in roles that do not entail military engagement or enforcement. Its 2015 numbers were estimated at 32,000 members.

Auxiliary members are permitted to engage in the proceedings listed below:
-Academy Admissions Partner Program (AAPP)
-Administrative Support for Coast Guard Units
-Auxiliary Food Service (AUXFS)
-Bridge Program
-Civil Air Patrol Support
-Coast Guard Unit Support
-Contingency Preparedness
-Health Care Services Assistance
-Language Interpretation
-Legislative Liaison Committee
-Licensing of Merchant Mariners
-Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection
-Maritime Domain Awareness
-Multi-Mission Harbor Safety
-National Safe Boating Week
-Navigation Systems
-Operational Support
-Port Safety and Security
-Program Visitation
-Public Affairs Support
-Public Education
-Recreational Boating Safety
-Recruitment
-Search and Rescue Operations
-State Liaison Officer Program
-Vessel Inspections/ Examinations
-Vessel Safety Check Program
-Waterways Management

Details

The medal is silver and in the shape of a compass rose. The ribbon is yellow with two sections of dark blue flanked by thin vertical dark red stripes toward the center.