Distinguished Service Medal - Coast Guard

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Description:

1. Awarded pursuant to Section 492, title 14, U.S.C.
2. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to Service members who, while serving in any capacity of the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility.

Background:

1. The Coast Guard was established by an Act of Congress on 28 January 1915. Its establishment consolidated the Life Savings Services and the Revenue Cutter Services under the control of the United States Treasury Department. The Bureau of Lighthouses, which was under the control of the Department of Commerce was passed to the Coast Guard on 01 July 1939.
2. In 1962 the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal replaced the Navy Distinguished Medal which had been awarded to Coast Guard Personnel up until that time.
3. The medal depicts the "Massachusetts" under full sail giving members of the Coast Guard a distinctive award to recognize the outstanding meritorious service of its members.