The Coast Guard Medal is a decoration of the United States military that is awarded to any service member who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Coast Guard, distinguishes themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The Coast Guard Medal was first authorized by 14 U.S.C. § 493 on 4 August 1949. For the decoration to be awarded, an individual must have performed a voluntary act of heroism in the face of great personal danger or of such a magnitude that it stands out distinctly above normal expectations.
Additional awards of the Coast Guard Medal are annotated by 5⁄16 inch gold stars.
