USCG Achievement Medal

Also originally a ribbon-only award (Coast Guard Commendation For Achievement Ribbon - established in 1964), the present medal was instituted in 1968 to reward professional and/or leadership achievement in a combat or non-combat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature of such merit that it warrants more tangible recognition than is possible by the Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon, but which does not warrant a Coast Guard Commendation medal or high award.

Professional achievement that merits the award of a Coast Guard Achievement Medal must clearly exceed that which is normally required or expected, considering the individual's grade or rate, training and experience and must be an important contribution which is beneficial to the United States and the Coast Guard.

Leadership achievement which merits the award of the Coast Guard Achievement Medal must be noteworthy and must be sustained so that it demonstrates a high state of development or, if awarded for a specific achievement, that achievement must be of such merit that it earns singular recognition and it must reflect credibly on the efforts of the individual toward the accomplishment of the unit mission.

The first Coast Guard Achievement Medal was awarded to Commander David M. Kaetzel on February 1, 1969.