Coast Guard USCG Distinguished Service Military Medal. The Coast Guard Distinguished Service Military Medal is a decoration of the United States Coast Guard which was created in August 1949 by order of the United States Congress. Prior to this date, members of the Coast Guard were eligible to receive the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. This is a regulation size medal. NOTE: Photo is of an anodized medal. This is not the medal you will receive. You will receive the regular medal. Photo will be updated as soon as possible.