The award consists of a ribbon only, there are no miniature medals. A Flag officer must approve these awards. To be eligible, an Auxiliarist must have participated directly in at least 50% of the action in a single operational incident for which the Coast Guard unit involved received a citation for one of these awards. The operational “O” is attached when authorized. Auxiliarists indicate multiple awards by 5/16-inch gold or silver stars. Specific Auxiliary units awarded the Coast Guard Unit Commendation are authorized to fly the award pennant for three years after the award.