| Lifesaving Medal | |
|---|---|
  Gold and Silver Lifesaving Medals | |
| Awarded for | Rescuing, or endeavoring to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other perils of the water. |
| Country |  United States |
| Presented by | United States Coast Guard |
| Eligibility | Open |
| Established | 20 June 1874 |
| Total | 600+ Gold Lifesaving Medals 1,900+ Silver Lifesaving Medals |
  Gold Lifesaving Medal ribbon and Silver Lifesaving Medal ribbon | |
The Gold Lifesaving Medal and Silver Lifesaving Medal are U.S. decorations issued by the United States Coast Guard. The awards were established by Act of Congress, 20 June 1874; later authorized by 14 U.S.C. § 500.[1] These decorations are two of the oldest medals in the United States and were originally established at the Department of Treasury as Lifesaving Medals First and Second Class. The Department of the Treasury initially gave the award, but today the United States Coast Guard awards it through the Department of Homeland Security.[2] They are not classified as military decorations, and may be awarded to any person.[3]
- ^ "14 U.S.C. § 500". law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
- ^ "Timeline 1800–1899 (see June 20, 1874)". treasury.gov. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
- ^ Medals and Awards Manual (PDF). U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard COMDTINST M1650.25E. 15 August 2016. Chapter 4