Lifesaving Medal – U.S. Coast Guard Award

Did you know that the gold and silver lifesaving medals are one of the oldest medals in the United States? They are a civil and military decoration of the United States Coast Guard which was first established in 1874.  The medals were meant for people who rescued or endeavors to rescue a person from drowning, shipwreck or other peril of water in waters within the United States.

The Gold Lifesaving Medal is authorized if the rescuer did risk his own life. For all other rescues, the Silver Lifesaving Medal is authorized.

The Medal is unique among U.S. medals because it is actually struck from precious metal, silver and gold. Most other medals are struck from inexpensive alloys.

U.S. coast Guard Award: Description of the Gold Lifesaving Medal rescue (1877 – 1997)