Coast Guard Unit Commendation ribbon with gold 5/16 inch star and operational distinguishing device
The Operational Distinguishing Device is a military device[1] of the United States Coast Guard which may be authorized for wear on certain personal and unit awards. It is a silver "O" device, either centered on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal or unit award ribbon, or to the middle-right if there are an even number of letter devices on the ribbon. Any authorized gold 5/16 inch stars alternate around the “O” device. The first star is placed to the wearer’s right of the ”O” device. The second star is placed to the left of the “O” device. Only one "O" device may be worn per ribbon.[2]
Eligibility criteria are based on a member's or unit's direct participation in missions of an operational "hands on" nature. To qualify for this device on a decoration, both the person's work and unit must be operational in nature.
Such examples include search and rescue, fire fighting, maritime law enforcement, disaster relief, pollution response, and aids to navigation maintenance and operations.
The decision to authorize an Operational Distinguishing Device is made by the award approving authority, giving a wide discretion as to what actions may qualify.
Awards[]
The Operational Distinguishing Device may be authorized for wear on the following:[3]
Personal Awards
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Coast Guard Commendation Medal
- Coast Guard Achievement Medal
- Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon
Unit Awards
- Coast Guard Unit Commendation
- Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ DoD Awards Manual, 2010, 1348.33, V3, P. 1, 1. (2), "service devices"
- ↑ COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION M1020.6F UNIFORM REGULATIONS MANUAL
- ↑ COMDTINST M1650.25D, Medals and Awards Manual, Chapter 1, Table 1
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The original article can be found at Operational Distinguishing Device and the edit history here.