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Coast Guard Medal

The Coast Guard Medal was established in 1949, but it was not awarded for the first time until 1958. It is not clear why there was a delay of nine years. These US military medals were to act as the Coast Guard’s version of the Soldier’s Medal which had previously been awarded to all branches of service as one of the general services medals of America. These military ribbons and medals are now presented to Coast Guard members who perform acts of heroism, generally for attempting to save a life at the risk of their own, but not while engaged in combat with an enemy.

Coast Guard Medals are equivalent to Army Soldier’s Medals, Air Force Airman’s Medals, and Navy and Marine Corps Medals. These military medals and ribbons are worn just below the Distinguished Flying Cross and just above the Bronze Star in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military awards. Subsequent awards of these military medals are denoted by gold Award Stars.

Coast Guard Medals can be worn as full size military medals, military mini medals, military ribbons (service ribbons), and lapel pins. These military medals are available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, and traditional slide-on military ribbons; or in the newer, custom thin mini-medals and ultra thin military ribbons which are being embraced by members of the modern military who value their sleeker appearance as a competitive edge that promotes their advancement through the ranks of their respective services.