Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal

Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal
Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal
Awarded by United States Coast Guard
Type	Service medal
Awarded for	Twenty one days of consecutive duty afloat or ashore north of the Arctic Circle
Status	current
Statistics
Established	20 May 1976
Precedence
Next (higher)	Antarctica Service Medal
Next (lower)	Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
ribbon

The Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal was established on 20 May 1976 by Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Owen W. Siler. The medal is awarded to any member of the United States Coast Guard who performs twenty one days of consecutive duty afloat or ashore north of the Arctic Circle. Air crews flying in and out of areas north of the Arctic Circle may also be awarded the medal for 21 days of non-consecutive service. The medal depicts a polar bear under the North Star, while the reverse side carries the Coast Guard Shield.

The Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal may be awarded to any person who meets the qualifications related to service in defined geographic areas or at specific duty stations. Only one medal may be awarded per deployment or year in the case of qualifying air crews. Qualifying service is as follows:

Civilians may be recommended for the award of the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal for their service with the Coast Guard. Recommendations for civilians must be sent directly to the Commandant for an award decision.