description Coast Guard Medal Overview
The Coast Guard Medal is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces, authorized by Congress in 1949 for members of the United States Coast Guard. It is awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism at the risk of their own life, specifically in situations that do not involve armed conflict with an enemy. The medal is the Coast Guard's equivalent to the Soldier's Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, recognizing voluntary acts of courage in peacetime operations or rescue missions.
help Coast Guard Medal FAQ
What does the U.S. Coast Guard Medal recognize?
It recognizes a voluntary act of heroism involving great personal danger while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, outside actual combat with an enemy. Congress authorized it on August 4, 1949. [U.S. Coast Guard history](https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/Award-Recipients/Coast-Guard-Medal/)
Can a non-Coast Guard service member receive the Coast Guard Medal?
Yes, it may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who performs the qualifying act while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard. The heroism must stand clearly above normal expectations and involve great personal danger. [U.S. Coast Guard history](https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/Award-Recipients/Coast-Guard-Medal/)
What does the Coast Guard Medal look like?
The medal is a bronze octagon with the Coast Guard seal in its center and a continuous cable border. Its ribbon uses light blue, white, and red stripes adapted from the Coast Guard seal. [U.S. Coast Guard history](https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/Award-Recipients/Coast-Guard-Medal/)
Does the Coast Guard Medal cover combat heroism or only noncombat acts?
Its legal standard specifically excludes actual conflict with an enemy, so rescues and other noncombat acts are central examples. The Coast Guard lists Lieutenant Ronald Addison, who rescued a stranded hunter in 65-knot winds in 1968, among its recipients. [U.S. Coast Guard history](https://www.history.uscg.mil/Browse-by-Topic/Notable-People/Award-Recipients/Coast-Guard-Medal/)
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