Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon — Military Decorations

Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon Medal and Ribbon Design Images

The Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon comes with a unique service ribbon, which is worn on the recipient's uniform in situations where the full medal is not worn. If you have earned this decoration, you can wear the service ribbon on your ribbon rack.

What is the Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon Decoration?

The Combat Action Ribbon is a ribbon-only award; unlike other services, no medal or metal badge is awarded. The ribbon is almost identical to that of the US Navy and Marine Corps. The ribbon itself features an asymmetrical design. It obtains a navy blue stripe on the left followed by a golden stripe of equal width, 3 thin stripes using red, white, and blue, flanked by two thin right stripes, and another gold stripe and then it closes the ribbon with a crimson red stripe.

The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. The Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon medal is classified as a Personal Decoration of the type Combat Action Ribbon.

How Do You Earn the Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon?

The Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon in 2008. The Coast Guard version of the CAR is awarded to members of the Coast Guard who have actively participated in a ground or maritime engagement. Satisfactory performance under fire with the enemy is required.

Criteria for the CGCAR also include personnel with direct exposure to the detonation of an improvised explosive device used by an enemy, and for personnel who serve in clandestine/special operations, who are restricted in their ability to return fire, where the risk of enemy fire was great.

The Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon is authorized for:



  • Operation Allied Force (Kosovo)

  • Operation Desert Storm

  • Operation Enduring Freedom

  • Operation Iraqi Freedom

    • Displaying the Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon

    The Order of Precedence of the Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon is 38, and this precedence is used when placing the associated service ribbon on your uniform ribbon rack. You can see a full list of decorations in the order of precedence on the Decorations homepage.

    The Combat Action Ribbon is worn in order of precedence on a member's "ribbon rack" displayed on the left side of a service member's uniform. Only one Combat Action Ribbon is authorized. Additional combat action awards are signified with an appropriate  5/16 inch gold star attached to the CAR.

    Some private companies selling replacement decorations or awards also advertise for sale, e.g., a commemorative combat action medal, combat tribute, or combat certificate. Some medallions are stylized from elements of various military combat action awards. Such medallions are considered merely decorative, have no military significance or recognition, and are not authorized for wear by an active duty member, on the uniform or otherwise.

    Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon Associated Branches

    Coast Guard

    Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon Associated Branches

    Coast Guard

    Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon and the Stolen Valor Act

    The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 is a federal law that makes it illegal for any person to falsely claim to be the recipient of certain military awards, "with the intention of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit by convincing another that he or she received the award".This decoration is apart of the stolen valor