The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Coast Guard which was created in August 1949 by order of the United States Congress. Prior to this date, members of the Coast Guard were eligible to receive the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Coast Guard D.S.M. File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Coast Guard shield The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a military branch of the United States involved in maritime law, mariner assistance and search and rescue, among other duties of any coast guard. ... 1949 (MCMXLIX) is a common year starting on Saturday. ... Congress in Joint Session. ... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. ...

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. The government of the United States, established by the United States Constitution, is a federal republic of 50 states, a few territories and some protectorates. ... Admiral is a word from the Arabic term Amir-al-bahr (commander of the sea). ... Alfred C. Richmond (January 18, 1902-March 15, 1984), He served as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1954 to 1962. ... 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1961 calendar). ...

Until 2003, the bestowing authority of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal was the United States Secretary of Transportation. The award is now authorized through the Department of Homeland Security. 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a Cabinet department of the federal government of the United States that is concerned with protecting the American homeland and the safety of American citizens. ...

The Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal is a Coast Guard decoration senior to the Coast Distinguished Service Medal. This decoration was discontinued in 2003, upon the Coast Guard's transfer to the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-combat military decoration which may be bestowed to members of the U.S. Coast Guard. ...

See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military Awards and decorations of the United States military are military decorations which recognize a service members service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces. ...