Gold Lifesaving Medal

(Coast Guard)

For award to any member of the Coast Guard who rescues, or endeavors to rescue any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water in waters within the United States or subject to U.S. jurisdiction, or one of the parties must be a citizen of the United States and the rescue must have been made at the risk of the rescuer's own life.

Authorized in 1946, the Gold Lifesaving Medal finds its roots in the Lifesaving Medals of 1874.  It is struck in pure gold and is inscribed on the back with the words "Act of Congress August 4, 1949".