Medal, Coast Guard Cross

OK, Grove, Headstone Symbols and Meanings, Medal, Coast Guard Cross

COAST GUARD CROSS -  The Coast Guard Cross is a military decoration of the United States Coast Guard.   Established by Act of Congress on October 15, 2010, it is intended to recognize members of the United States Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism in action, while not operating under the Department of the Navy.   Coast Guard members serving under the United States Navy would be eligible for the Navy Cross.  This medal, though approved, has not yet been awarded.

Statute allows the President to award the Coast Guard Cross, to any person who distinguishes themselves by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, when the Coast Guard is not operating under the Department of the Navy, under one of the following conditions:

  • While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States
  • While engaged in military operations involving conflict with a foreign opposing force or international terrorist organization
  • While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.