Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon

The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation was established on November 13, 1973, by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Chester R. Bender.

The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Commandant (or designated subordinate awarding authorities) to any unit of the Coast Guard for valorous or meritorious achievement or service in support of Coast Guard operations not involving combat. The performance of duty must render the unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service but not of such a nature to merit award of the Coast Guard Unit Commendation.

This award may be conferred by the Commandant upon units of other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States, provided they meet the standards established for Coast Guard units. To justify this award, the service performed must be comparable to that which would merit the award of at least the Coast Guard Achievement Medal to an individual.

The Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon is worn after the Coast Guard Unit Commendation ribbon and before the ribbon to the Meritorious Team Commendation.

Additional awards are denoted by gold stars. The Operational Distinguishing Device, a silver O, may be authorized.