- Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
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This article is about Coast Guard-awarded Distinguished Service Medal. For other U.S. versions, see Distinguished Service Medal (United States).
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal 
Awarded by United States Coast Guard Type Medal Precedence Next (higher) Army - Distinguished Service Cross
Navy - Navy Cross
Air Force - Air Force CrossEquivalent Distinguished Service Medal: Homeland Security, Defense, Army, Navy, Air Force Next (lower) Silver Star 
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal ribbonThe Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Coast Guard that was created in August 1949 by order of the United States Congress.[1] Prior to this date, members of the Coast Guard were eligible to receive the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to any member of the U.S. Coast Guard who distinguishes themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Government in a duty of great responsibility. The decoration is typically awarded to senior flag officers, such as the Commandant of the Coast Guard. The first award of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal was to Admiral Alfred C. Richmond, USCG, who was awarded the medal in 1961. In 1998, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Rick Trent became the first enlisted member to receive the medal.
The bestowing authority of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is the Secretary of Homeland Security. Prior to 2003, the award was authorized by the Secretary of Transportation.
The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal, which replaced the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal in 2002, is another Distinguished Service Medal that may be awarded to Coast Guardsmen.
See also
References
Decorations 
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal · 
Coast Guard Medal · 
Commendation Medal · 
Achievement Medal · 
Commandant's Letter of Commendation RibbonLifesaving Medals Unit Awards Conduct Medals Service Awards _
Combat Action Ribbon · 
· Enlisted Person of the Year Ribbon · 
Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal · 
Special Operations Service Ribbon · 
Sea Service Ribbon · 
Restricted Duty Ribbon · _
Overseas Service Ribbon · 
Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon · 
Recruiting Service RibbonMarksmanship __ _ _ _ 
Distinguished Marksman Ribbon · __ _ _ 
Silver Excellence in Competition Rifle Ribbon · __ _ 
Bronze Excellence in Competition Rifle Ribbon · __ 
Expert Rifle Ribbon · _
Sharpshooter Rifle Ribbon · 
Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon · __ _ _ _ 
Distinguished Pistol Shot Ribbon · __ _ _ 
Silver Pistol Excellence in Competition Ribbon · __ _ 
Bronze Pistol Excellence in Competition Ribbon · __ 
Expert Pistol Ribbon · _
Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon · 
Pistol Marksmanship RibbonCategories:- Awards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard
- Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
- Awards established in 1949
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