Coast Guard Unit Commendation

In 1963 the Coast Guard created its newest entry in the medals of America with the Unit Commendation. These US military medals and ribbons were created for presentation to members of any Coast Guard unit which distinguishes itself by valorous or extremely meritorious service which does not involve combat, but supports Coast Guard operations. These Coast Guard ribbons became the highest peacetime unit awards in the Coast Guard when this branch of service was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard Unit Commendation is considered equivalent to unit citations in the other branches of service, like the Defense Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Valorous Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Air Force Gallant Unit Citation, which is shared by the Marine Corps. These military ribbons are worn just below the Presidential Unit Citation and just above the Meritorious Unit Commendation in the general order of precedence that has been established for the proper display of all military medals and ribbons. The Operational Distinguishing Device is authorized for units which are presented this award for field operations and conditions. Subsequent awards of the Coast Guard Unit Commendation are denoted by gold and silver Award Star devices.