Coast Guard Cross

Coast Guard Cross
TypeService cross medal
Awarded forExtraordinary heroism in combat
Presented byUnited States Department of Homeland Security[1]
EligibilityUnited States Coast Guardsmen
StatusCurrently approved
Not yet awarded
Established15 October 2010


Precedence
Next (higher)Medal of Honor
EquivalentArmy: Distinguished Service Cross
Naval Service: Navy Cross
Air and Space Forces: Air Force Cross
Next (lower)Department of Defense: Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Department of Homeland Security: Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal

The Coast Guard Cross (CGC) is the United States Coast Guard's second highest military decoration for Coast Guardsmen who distinguish themselves extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Established by Act of Congress on 15 October 2010, it is intended to recognize members of the United States Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism in action. Coast Guardsmen serving under the Department of the Navy would be eligible for the Navy Cross. This medal, though approved, has not yet been awarded. By virtue of having never been awarded, it is the rarest United States military award.

The Coast Guard Cross is equivalent to the Army's Distinguished Service Cross, Naval Service's Navy Cross, and Air and Space Forces' Air Force Cross.

  1. ^ "Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual" (PDF). media.defense.gov. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard. 15 August 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2022.