Special Operations Service Ribbon

The Special Operations Service Ribbon is a decoration of the United States Coast Guard which was first created in July 1987 by order of Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Paul A. Yost Jr. The decoration is authorized for certain acts of non-combat meritorious service, performed in the service of the U.S. Coast Guard, for which no other service medal or ribbon is authorized.

The four main areas of eligibility, for the presentation of the Special Operations Service Ribbon, are listed as follows:

  • Coast Guard operations of a special nature involving multiple agency involvement pertaining to national security or law enforcement.
  • Coast Guard operations of a special nature in support of special events drawing large media interest and public attention.
  • Coast Guard operations or involvement with foreign government in all areas of saving life and property at sea.
  • Coast Guard operations of assistance for friendly and/or developing nations.

Multiple awards of the Special Operations Service Ribbon are denoted by service stars.

See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military

Awards and decorations of the United States Coast Guard
Decorations
  • Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
  • Coast Guard Medal
  • Commendation Medal
  • Achievement Medal
  • Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon
Lifesaving Medals
  • Gold Lifesaving Medal
  • Silver Lifesaving Medal
Unit Awards
  • Presidential Unit Citation
  • Coast Guard Unit Commendation
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation
  • Meritorious Team Commendation
  • Coast Guard E Ribbon
Conduct Medals
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • Reserve Good Conduct Medal
Service Awards
  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Enlisted Person of the Year Ribbon
  • Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal
  • Special Operations Service Ribbon
  • Sea Service Ribbon
  • Restricted Duty Ribbon
  • Overseas Service Ribbon
  • Basic Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
  • Recruiting Service Ribbon
Marksmanship
  • Distinguished Marksman Ribbon
  • Silver Excellence in Competition Rifle Ribbon
  • Bronze Excellence in Competition Rifle Ribbon
  • Expert Rifle Ribbon
  • Sharpshooter Rifle Ribbon
  • Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon
  • Distinguished Pistol Shot Ribbon
  • Silver Pistol Excellence in Competition Ribbon
  • Bronze Pistol Excellence in Competition Ribbon
  • Expert Pistol Ribbon
  • Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon
  • Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon

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