Established by Act of Congress on 15 October 2010, it is intended to recognize members of the United States Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism in action.

In the past, during times of war, the U.S. Coast Guard has operated as part of the Department of the Navy.

This allows the award of the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat or armed action.

During World War II, six Coast Guardsmen, four officers and two enlisted, were awarded the Navy Cross.

This began the creation of a separate system of awards and decorations for the U.S. Coast Guard when not operating under the Department of the Navy.

[6] On the obverse, in the center of the cross is a shield similar to that found in the Great Seal of the United States.