| Coast Guard Cross | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Service cross medal |
| Awarded for | Extraordinary heroism in combat |
| Presented by | United States Department of Homeland Security[1] |
| Eligibility | United States Coast Guardsmen |
| Status | Currently approved Not yet awarded |
| Established | 15 October 2010 |
  | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Medal of Honor |
| Equivalent | Army: 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.
- ^ "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.