History

The Coast and Geodetic Survey Defense Service Medal was originally established by Executive Order on July 31, 1945, as a ribbon only award. The creation of a Medal was later authorized by the NOAA Corps Bulletin but the wear of the Medal was not instituted until 1988 by the Merchant Marine Decorations and Medals Act. The Medal was awarded to Commissioned Officers, Officers, and crewmembers of the Coast and Geodetic Survey (C&GS) in recognition of service performed during limited national emergency between December 7, 1941, and November 8, 1845.

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