U.S. Coast Guard Ribbon Attachments and how to properly place them on your ribbons

Posted by Pin-iT Military Uniform Tools on May 21, 2025

In the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), ribbon attachments are small but significant devices that represent multiple awards of the same medal or ribbon. While service members wear a single ribbon for each decoration, devices such as stars and letters are affixed to signify additional recognitions. Two of the most commonly used devices are 3/16" bronze and silver stars, and 5/16" gold and silver stars.

Understanding when and how to wear each type of star is essential to maintaining proper military appearance and honoring the meaning behind every award. This article will break down the difference between these devices, how many awards they represent, and how to properly arrange them on a ribbon—based on Coast Guard Uniform Regulations (COMDTINST M1020.6K).

What Do Ribbon Devices Signify?

When a member of the Coast Guard earns the same award multiple times, they do not wear duplicate ribbons. Instead, attachment devices are added to indicate repeat awards. These devices help tell a visible story of a service member's ongoing excellence, service, or valor.

There are two categories of star devices based on their size and the type of ribbon they are used with:

• 3/16" Bronze and Silver Stars – Used on service and campaign ribbons
• 5/16" Gold and Silver Stars – Used on personal and unit awards 

3/16" Bronze and Silver Stars

Ribbons That Use 3/16" Stars:

These stars are used to denote additional awards on service and campaign ribbons, including:

• Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon
• Humanitarian Service Medal

What They Represent:

• 3/16" Bronze Star: Indicates one additional award.
• 3/16" Silver Star: Replaces five bronze stars, representing six awards.

Device Arrangement:

• 1 Star: Worn centered on the ribbon.
• 2 Stars: Spaced evenly to the left and right of center.
• 3 Stars: One in the center, one on each side.
• 4 Stars: Evenly spaced symmetrically across the ribbon.
• 5 Stars: Silver in the center; bronze stars alternate to each side, starting on the wearer’s right.

5/16" Gold and Silver Stars

Ribbons That Use 5/16" Stars:

These are worn on personal decorations and unit awards, such as:

• Coast Guard Achievement Medal
• Commendation Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon
• Meritorious Commendation Ribbon

What They Represent:

• 5/16" Gold Star: Represents one additional award.
• 5/16" Silver Star: Replaces five gold stars, signifying six awards.

Device Arrangement:

• Single Device: Centered on the ribbon.
• Two Devices: Evenly spaced left and right.
• Three Devices: One centered, one on each side.
• Four Devices: Evenly spaced.
• Five Devices: Silver star centered, gold stars alternate around it, beginning on the wearer’s right.

Visualizing Awards with Multiple Stars

Let’s break down a few example layouts based on award counts:

 5 Awards

• Device: One silver star replaces five bronze or gold stars.
• Placement: Centered on the ribbon.

7 Awards

• Device: One silver star (for 6 awards) and one bronze/gold star (for the 7th).
• Placement: Silver star in the center; bronze/gold star to the wearer's right, balanced on the left if a second appears later.

9 Awards

• Device: One silver star + three bronze/gold stars
• Placement: Silver star slightly off-center. Starting from the wearer's right: bronze/gold, silver, two bronze/gold to the left—visually symmetrical.

Additional Tips for Proper Wear 

• Letter Devices (e.g., "O" for operational): Always worn centered on the ribbon. Stars are arranged around the letter—first to the right, then to the left, alternating.
• Maximum Devices: A maximum of five devices can be worn on one ribbon. If more are needed, wear a second ribbon with continued devices.
• Do Not Mix Star Types: Use either all bronze/gold or silver stars. Replace five of the same type with one silver.

Final Thoughts

Whether recognizing years of good conduct, repeated humanitarian missions, or commendable personal actions, each star device on a USCG ribbon holds significance. Wearing these attachments properly not only honors the service member’s achievements but also upholds the high standards of the U.S. Coast Guard uniform.

Remember: it’s not just a ribbon—it’s a legacy of service, and every star is a chapter in your story.