- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 15 October 2010
- Country: United States
The Coast Guard Cross is the United States Coast Guard’s second-highest military decoration, awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat while serving with the Coast Guard when it is not operating under the Department of the Navy. It was established by Act of Congress on October 15, 2010 and is intended to recognize acts of valor that are above and beyond what would merit lesser awards, but not at the level of the Medal of Honor.
Although it is approved and listed in Coast Guard awards regulations, the Coast Guard Cross has not yet been awarded to anyone, making it one of the rarest U.S. military decorations.
In the hierarchy of U.S. military awards, the Coast Guard Cross sits just below the Medal of Honor and is equivalent in stature to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Air and Space Forces Cross.
The Coast Guard Cross Medal Criteria
- While participating in combat against an enemy of the United States.
- While taking part in military operations involving hostilities with a foreign opposing force or an international terrorist organization.
- While serving alongside allied foreign forces in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force, even if the United States itself is not a direct participant.
The Coast Guard Cross Medal Design
The design features a gold four-armed cross with maritime symbols—including anchors, crossed oars, and a central shield reminiscent of the U.S. Great Seal—suspended from a ribbon of navy blue with scarlet and ultramarine accents. The reverse bears the inscription “FOR VALOR.”
