The Operational Distinguishing Device is a decoration of the United States Coast Guard which may be awarded as an attachment to certain personal and unit awards. The device is awarded as a silver "O" device, either centered on the award ribbon or to the middle-right if there are an even number of devices on the award ribbon. Only one "O" device may be worn per ribbon.[1]
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 personal award, 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 award the Operational Distinguishing Device is made by the award approving authority, giving a wide discretion as to what actions may qualify.
The Operational Distinguishing Device may be awarded as an attachment to the following:[2]
Personal Awards
Unit Awards
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