Return to A-Directorate's Home Page.

The Security Shield of Honor Award
(Coast Guard Auxiliary photo and article by COMO Joseph Giannattasio)

The Security Shield of Honor award was presented to the Auxiliary and Temporary Reserve Units of the U.S. Coast Guard in recognition of their outstanding service during World War II.

Over the course of three years, these reservists, along with newly enlisted civilians, carried out critical duties in coastal defense and search and rescue operations. They patrolled bridges, factories, docks, and beaches, fought fires, made arrests, guided naval vessels, and participated in anti-submarine warfare. As their numbers grew, they played a vital role in freeing up thousands of active-duty Coast Guard personnel for overseas assignments.

Throughout the war, approximately 50,000 Auxiliarists formed the backbone of the temporary Reserve force. [Cape May, NJ Flotilla archives]

Auxiliarist of the Year Award Plaque

The Auxiliarist of the Year (AUXOY) award honors the most outstanding member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary who has consistently exemplified exceptional proficiency, conduct, appearance, initiative, and performance. This recognition celebrates accomplishments that embody excellence in teamwork and customer service. It serves as the Auxiliary's counterpart to the Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year and Civilian Employee of the Year awards. The award is typically presented at the National Conference (NACON). [Photo by Joseph Giannattasio]

The New Auxiliarist of the Year Perpetual Plaque

Every year the Coast Guard recognizes the most exemplary performance by an eligible Auxiliarist during the previous calendar year. Only those Auxiliarists who demonstrated sustained, exceptional standards of proficiency and conduct, and whose appearance and bearing were consistently impeccable, shall be considered for nomination.

The Auxiliarist of the Year Award was originally known as the “New Auxiliarist of the Year” because the award criteria was limited for Auxiliarists who had been a member within three years. The award title and criteria was changed to “Auxiliarist of the Year” beginning in 2009.

This award parallels the awards for the Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year (EPOY) and the Civilian Employee of the Year (CEOY) awards. The Auxiliarist of the Year perpetual plaque (as of 2019) is located in the BSX section at USCG Headquarters. [Photo by Joseph Giannattasio]