Operational Distinguishing Device
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RibbonO.jpg
The Operational Distinguishing Device is a decoration of the United States Coast Guard which is awarded to certain units as an attachment to a unit award (such as the Coast Guard Unit Commendation and Meritorious Unit Commendation). It is also awarded as an atatchment ot the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and the Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon.
To qualify for the Operational Distinguishing Device, a Coast Guard unit must have received a unit award under field conditions where such conditions warranted additional recognition beyond that which would normally be required for the standard unit award. Such examples would be sea operations, combat patrols, or anti-smuggling duties.
The Operation Distinguishing Device is determined by local commanders, giving a wide discretion as to what actions may qualify. The device is awarded as a silver "O" centered on the unit award ribbon. Only one device may be worn per ribbon.
See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military