Personal Decorations
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to Coast Guard personnel who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. This is the highest peacetime decoration for meritorious service.
Coast Guard Medal
Awarded for heroism not involving conflict with an armed enemy. The act must involve voluntary risk of life under conditions not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor or Gold Lifesaving Medal.
Gold Lifesaving Medal
Awarded for extreme and heroic daring in rescuing or attempting to rescue lives from the perils of the sea within the United States or its territories. The rescue must involve extreme risk of life.
Silver Lifesaving Medal
Awarded for rescuing or attempting to rescue lives from perils of the sea with significant risk to the rescuer's own life. Less extreme than Gold but still involving personal danger.
Coast Guard Commendation Medal
Awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. May be awarded with "O" device for combat-related actions or "V" device for valor.
Coast Guard Achievement Medal
Awarded for professional achievement or leadership. Recognizes sustained performance significantly above normally expected standards.