Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
Encyclopedia
The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is a decoration
of the United States Coast Guard
that was created in August 1949 by order of the United States Congress
. Prior to this date, members of the Coast Guard were eligible to receive the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
.
The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the U.S. Coast Guard who distinguishes themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Government in a duty of great responsibility. The decoration is typically awarded to senior flag officers, such as the Commandant of the Coast Guard. The first award of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal was to Admiral
Alfred C. Richmond
, USCG, who was awarded the medal in 1961. In 1998, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Rick Trent became the first enlisted member to receive the medal.
The bestowing authority of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is the Secretary of Homeland Security
. Prior to 2003, the award was authorized by the Secretary of Transportation
.
The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
, which replaced the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal in 2002, is another Distinguished Service Medal that may be awarded to Coast Guardsmen.
Awards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard
Awards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard are military medals and ribbons of the United States Coast Guard which are currently issued under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security....
of the United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
that was created in August 1949 by order of the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
. Prior to this date, members of the Coast Guard were eligible to receive the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
.
The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the U.S. Coast Guard who distinguishes themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Government in a duty of great responsibility. The decoration is typically awarded to senior flag officers, such as the Commandant of the Coast Guard. The first award of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal was to Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
Alfred C. Richmond
Alfred C. Richmond
Alfred Carroll Richmond was a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 11th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1954 to 1962, the second longest tenure of any U.S. Coast Guard Commandant....
, USCG, who was awarded the medal in 1961. In 1998, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Rick Trent became the first enlisted member to receive the medal.
The bestowing authority of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is the Secretary of Homeland Security
United States Secretary of Homeland Security
The United States Secretary of Homeland Security is the head of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the body concerned with protecting the American homeland and the safety of American citizens. The Secretary is a member of the President's Cabinet. The position was created by the...
. Prior to 2003, the award was authorized by the Secretary of Transportation
United States Secretary of Transportation
The United States Secretary of Transportation is the head of the United States Department of Transportation, a member of the President's Cabinet, and fourteenth in the Presidential line of succession. The post was created with the formation of the Department of Transportation on October 15, 1966,...
.
The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States by the United States Department of Homeland Security...
, which replaced the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal in 2002, is another Distinguished Service Medal that may be awarded to Coast Guardsmen.