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. It may be issued in recognition of sustained noteworthy behavior or a single special achievement or contribution to the improvement of the Coast Guard.
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. It may be issued in recognition of sustained noteworthy behavior or a single special achievement or contribution to the improvement of the Coast Guard.