Coast Guard
Special Operations Service
Display Recognition

Site Index

      • Example Display Recognition
      • Display Types
      • Issue Requirements
      • Issue Regulations
      • Who May Apply
      • Administration Processing and Delivery
      • How To Apply For This Display Recognition and/or Medal
      • Mailing Address
      • Questions?
      • Other Display Recognitions
      • Naval Service Websites

        • Example Display Recognition:
        Actual Size: 8 1/2 x 11



        Who May Apply

        • Veteran recipients
        • Active Duty recipients
        • Family Members of recipients
        • Estate Inheritors

        Display Types

        You have four display types to choose from:
        Black & White (No Color)
        Heavy Bond Enclosure

        Heavy Bond Enclosure
        Colors: Regal, Black, Navy
        Trimmed inAppearance Gold

        Ready for Mantle or Shelf Display

        Issue Requirements
        You must submit the following:

      • An unaltered photocopy of your DD-214 or other military issued document clearly displaying your award of the Coast Guard Special Operations Service.

      • Contact The War Library if you do not have a DD-214 or other military issued documentation authorizing your award: 1-562-422-4100 (Pacific Time Zone).

        • NOTICE

        This Display Recognition is available ONLY to authorized recipients who possess orders, or authorization form, or release documentation that confirms award eligibility. (See "Issue Requirements"). To obtain either a Display Medal or a Display Recognition for your authorized award you will be required to provide military-issued documentation authorizing your award. There are no exceptions.

        WARNING!
        You must NOT submit a military issued document or photocopy that:

        • has been altered in any way by you after
          the original's official issue
        • contains information or corrections or
          additions that you entered
        • lists awards or training you knowingly did not receive
        • contains highlighting, colorizing or other markings you entered

        Be advised that on request any knowingly fraudulent document sent by you will be released to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that may result in prosecution and/or fine/imprisonment.

        Email Questions, or Phone: 1-562-422-4100 (Pacific Time Zone)

        Personnel Branch
        Processing and Delivery

        Style Admin Shipping Total
        Full Color .PDF (Printable) $7.50 Emailed $7.50
        Published Document only (Full Color) $14.00 $10.77 USPS $24.77
        Published Document in Heavy Bond Enclosure (Full Color) $19.00 $10.77 USPS $29.77
        Full Color Printable Certificates
        on CD-Rom (minimum 20 Certificates)        		 $7.50 $7.50 By Count

      • Total/Shipping fees, above, apply to 50 U.S. states
      • Contact The War Library for international shipping cost

        • How to Apply

        You may apply for your Display Recognition using a...

      • Check Debit card (* Shipped within 1 week)
      • Charge card (* Shipped within 1 week)
      • Personal, Business, Bank or Cashiers Check (* Shipped in 6 weeks)
      • Money Order (* Shipped in 6 weeks)

        • (* Upon reception of required documentation)

        Complete and MAIL this APPLICATION FORM.
        Don't forget to include an unaltered COPY of your DD-214, WD AGO 53-55 or other pre-arranged document(s).

        DISPLAY RECOGNITION and/or MEDAL APPLICATION FORM

        Mailing Address

        Records Chief (REC-AMW)
        The American War Library
        817 East Via Carmelitos Ste 319
        Long Beach CA 90805-7549

        Questions?

        Click here for answers to common questions

        Email: USCG Special Operations Service Display Recognition Inquiry

        Telephone: 1-562-422-4100 (Pacific Time Zone)

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        Issue Regulations


        Coast Guard Special Operations Service


        Click for larger image

        Establishing Authority

        Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon Authorized by the Commandant of the Coast Guard on 01 July, 1987, the Special Operations Service ribbon is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard (and other individuals who participate in a special operation of the Coast Guard), not involving combat, after 01 July, 1987, and when that operation is not recognized by another award.

        ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY

        The Special Operations Service Ribbon was established on July 1, 1987, by Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Paul A. Yost, Jr.

        EFFECTIVE DATES

        The Special Operations Service Ribbon has been in effect since July 1, 1987.

        CRITERIA

        The Special Operations Service Ribbon is awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard (and certain other individuals) who participate in significant numbers in a Coast Guard special operation, not involving combat, and who have not been recognized by another service award for the same operation. The following categories of special operations represent events for which this ribbon may be authorized.

        * 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.

        • ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

        The Special Operations Service Ribbon is worn after the Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal and before the Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon.

        DEVICES

        Subsequent awards of the Special Operations Service Ribbon are denoted by bronze service stars three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter.

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