- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1963
- Country: United States
The Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal was created in 1963 as the reserve‑component equivalent of the active‑duty Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. It was established to recognize enlisted Coast Guard Reservists who perform their duties with consistent professionalism and good order over an extended period of service.
The Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal Criteria
The medal is awarded to enlisted members of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve who complete a standard tour of at least three years of satisfactory service in the Reserve without any disciplinary infractions. Service must be honorable and reflect high standards of conduct and duty performance.
Commissioned officers and warrant officers are not eligible to earn the medal, although they may wear it if they earned it previously while enlisted. Additional awards for subsequent qualifying periods are denoted by service stars worn on the ribbon.
The Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal Design
The reserve versions of the Good Conduct medals generally follow the pattern of the active‑duty versions but bear wording that reflects Reserve service.
For the Coast Guard Reserve version, the medal includes imagery associated with the Coast Guard (such as the service seal) and the inscription “United States Coast Guard Reserve.”
The ribbon has distinctive striping that differentiates it from other branches’ reserve good‑conduct ribbons. Subsequent awards are indicated by service stars on the ribbon.
