Coast Guard Medals & Awards

Honoring Service and Sacrifice

Service Medals

Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal

Awarded to enlisted personnel for three years of continuous good conduct. Subsequent awards are denoted by bronze and silver stars.

Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal

Awarded to Reserve members for three years of satisfactory service in the Coast Guard Reserve.

Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon

Awarded for 12 months of cumulative sea duty aboard a Coast Guard cutter or vessel. Additional awards denoted by bronze stars.

Arctic Service Medal

Awarded for service aboard a vessel operating in Arctic or Antarctic waters (north of the Arctic Circle or south of 60°S latitude).

Antarctic Service Medal

Awarded for participation in Antarctic expeditions and operations. Includes Operation Deep Freeze support.

Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon

Awarded for participation in special operations or major operations of significant national or international interest.

Humanitarian Service Medal

Awarded for meritorious participation in military humanitarian operations such as disaster relief, refugee assistance, or support to civil authorities.

Official References