Authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury on January 29, 1964, as the Secretary of the Treasury Commendation for Achievement, this medal was re-designated the Secretary of Transportation Commendation Medal on March 13, 1967. It became the Coast Guard Achievement Medal on June 11, 1968. Awarded to all members of the Coast Guard, including reserves and members of other branches of the Armed Forces, when serving with Coast Guard units, for outstanding leadership, professional achievement and superior performance of duty in either peacetime or combat situations.