Free Images : balanced pebbles, water, balance, rock, nature, stone Free Images : sea, bridge, view, cliff, golden gate, bay, fjord Free Images : beach, bird's eye view, buildings, idyllic, landscape Coast Lighthouse Free Stock Photo Public Domain Pictures Coast Guard Medal for Heroism File:Mendocino coast, late sunset.jpg Wikipedia. Coast Guard Medal for Heroism Criteria: The Coast Guard Medal for Heroism is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who while serving with the Coast Guard distinguishes themselves by heroism not involving conflict with an enemy. The action must have involved personal hazard and a voluntary risk of life in the face of great danger or be if such significance that it stands out distinctly above normal expectations. While the award was first created in 1949 the first awards were not issued until 1958 to Petty Officers Earl Leyda and Raymond Johnson for their actions in saving workers from the Oswego Water Works Tunnel under Lake Ontario.