On a certain level, all members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary perform meritorious service, working without financial recompense to help ensure their friends and neighbors get the most enjoyment out of their boating activities while staying as safe as possible. And their readiness to answer the call of duty when they’re asked to assist the Coast Guard in carrying out a mission is certainly “deserving of honor or esteem”—i.e., meritorious.
But the Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal (AMSM) was established to honor those Auxiliarists who have gone above and beyond the already praiseworthy services they perform for their community and nation. It was created to recognize those Auxiliarists whose service is so exceptionally meritorious that it obviously exceeds what would normally be expected in an organization that already has high standards of conduct and professionalism.
Earning the AMSM, however, requires more than just performing services at a level that is clearly worthy of special recognition. In addition, the contributions must have a major, positive impact on the Auxiliary’s ability to fulfill its mission and achieve its goals at the local level. (Auxiliarists whose superior performance has a service-wide impact are eligible for the Distinguished Service Medal.)
There are no length-of-service standards for the AMSM, nor is it limited to elected or appointed officers—any Auxiliarist serving in any capacity is eligible. Any Flag officer is authorized to award the AMSM.