ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY The Coast Guard Combat Action ribbon was established by the Secretary of Homeland Security on July 16, 2008. EFFECTIVE DATES This award is currently authorized for operations Allied Force (Kosovo), Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. It may also be awarded for minor operations as well as for specific actions, as determined by the Commandant of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon is retroactive to May 1, 1975 (the earliest date for which a Navy Combat Action Ribbon. Air Force Combat Action Medal, or Army Combat Infantry/Medical/Action badge may be converted to a Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon). CRITERIA This is an individual service award. It may be awarded to members of the Coast Guard in the grade of Captain (O-6) and below who actively participate in ground or maritime combat.
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE The Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon is worn after the Coast Guard Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon and before any unit citation ribbons. CONVERSION AWARDS Personnel who have previously earned the Navy Combat Action Ribbon, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, or the Army Combat Infantry/Medical/Action Badge for actions on or after May 1, 1975 must request authorization to be awarded the USCG Combat Action Ribbon. Requests will be individually reviewed and acted upon based on their merit. DEVICES A three-sixteenths inch bronze star will be worn to denote subsequent awards. A three-sixteenth inch silver star ill be worn in lieu of five bronze stars. NOTE: Only one award per operation is authorized. |