[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 14USC492]
TITLE 14--COAST GUARD
PART I--REGULAR COAST GUARD
CHAPTER 13--PAY, ALLOWANCES, AWARDS, AND OTHER RIGHTS AND BENEFITS
Sec. 492. Distinguished service medal
The President may present, but not in the name of Congress, a
distinguished service medal of appropriate design, with accompanying
ribbon, together with a rosette or other device, to be worn in lieu
thereof, to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Coast
Guard, distinguishes himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the
Government in a duty of great responsibility.
(Aug. 4, 1949, ch. 393, 63 Stat. 535.)
Historical and Revision Notes
This section is new insofar as application to Coast Guard personnel
in time of peace is concerned. Such awards can be made to members of the
Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is operating with the Navy.
The language is parallel to that found in title 34, U.S.C., 1946
ed., Sec. 355, providing for awards to personnel of the Navy. 81st
Congress, House Report No. 557.
Ex. Ord. No. 12824. Establishing the Homeland Security Distinguished
Service Medal
Ex. Ord. No. 12824, Dec. 7, 1992, 57 F.R. 58121, as amended by Ex.
Ord. No. 13286, Sec. 29, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10625, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States of America and as Commander in Chief of
the Armed Forces of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
Section 1. There is hereby established a Homeland Security
Distinguished Service Medal, with accompanying ribbons and
appurtenances, for award by the Secretary of Homeland Security to a
member of the Coast Guard who has provided exceptionally meritorious
service in a duty of great responsibility while assigned in the
Department of Homeland Security, or in other activities under the
responsibility of the Secretary of Homeland Security, either national or
international, as may be assigned by the Secretary.
Sec. 2. The Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal and
appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the
Secretary of Homeland Security and shall be awarded under such
