Coast Guard Cross

Coast Guard Cross
Type	Service cross medal
Awarded for	Extraordinary heroism in combat
Presented by	United States Department of Homeland Security[1]
Eligibility	United States Coast Guardsmen
Status	Currently approved Not yet awarded
Established	15 October 2010
Service ribbon
Precedence
Next (higher)	Medal of Honor
Equivalent	Army: Distinguished Service Cross Naval Service: Navy Cross Air and Space Forces: Air Force Cross
Next (lower)	Department of Defense: Defense Distinguished Service Medal Department of Homeland Security: Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal

The Coast Guard Cross (CGC) is the United States Coast Guard's second highest military decoration for Coast Guardsmen who distinguish themselves extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Established by Act of Congress on 15 October 2010, it is intended to recognize members of the United States Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism in action. Coast Guardsmen serving under the Department of the Navy would be eligible for the Navy Cross. This medal, though approved, has not yet been awarded. By virtue of having never been awarded, it is the rarest United States military award.

The Coast Guard Cross is equivalent to the Army's Distinguished Service Cross, Naval Service's Navy Cross, and Air and Space Forces' Air Force Cross.