To qualify for the Operational Distinguishing Device, a Coast Guard unit must have received a unit award under field conditions where such conditions warranted additional recognition beyond that which would normally be required for the standard unit award. Such examples would be sea operations, combat patrols, or anti-smuggling duties.
The Operation Distinguishing Device is determined by local commanders, giving a wide discretion as to what actions may qualify. The device is awarded as a silver "O" centered on the unit award ribbon. Only one device may be worn per ribbon.
