History

The Coast Guard Achievement Medal was initially established as the "Secretary of the Treasury Commendation for Achievement" on January 29, 1963, and was only awarded as a ribbon. Following the shift of control over the Coast Guard from the Secretary of Treasury to the Department of Defence in 1967, the award was renamed the "Secretary of Transporation Commendation for Achievement." Subsequently, in 1968, the award was officially renamed the "Coast Guard Achievement Medal." The Bronze Medal is awarded to junior enlisted personnel or Officers of the rank of lieutenant commander or below in recognition of outstanding performance and superior achievement in combat or non-combat zones. To be eligible for the award, the service must go beyond the normal expectations of duty and be of benefit to the United States Coast Guard but must be less than that which is required to merit the award of a higher decoration.

A gold star may be worn on the ribbon to denote additional awards of the Medal. The "V" device, to denote awards made in recognition of combat heroism, and the Operational Distinguishing Device are also available for wear on the ribbon.