Among the oldest of the awards presented to members of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commandant's Letter of Commendation has always been in the form of a letter or commendation certificate. The ribbon bar was established on March 17, 1979, by the Commandant, to accompany the Letter of Commendation. It is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, serving in any capacity with the U.S. Coast Guard, for an act or service resulting in unusual or outstanding achievement.