The Coast Guard Cross is a military decoration of the United States Coast Guard. Established by Act of Congress on 15 October 2010, it is intended to recognize members of the United States Coast Guard for extraordinary heroism in action, while not operating under the Department of the Navy. Coast Guard members serving under the United States Navy would be eligible for the Navy Cross. This medal, though approved, has not been awarded as of the end of 2012.

In the past, during times of war, the US Coast Guard has operated under the authority of the US Navy. According to law under 14 U.S.C. §§ 4–3, "personnel of the Coast Guard shall be eligible to receive gratuities, medals, and other insignia of honor on the same basis as personnel in the naval service or serving in any capacity with the Navy." This allows the award of the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while engaged in combat or armed action.
 
On 4 August 1949, Public Law 63-535 was passed, bringing into force 14 U.S.C. § 492 and 14 U.S.C.§ 493. This law established the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and Coast Guard Medal. These awards were intended to parallel the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, being awarded under the same criteria to Coast Guard personnel when not under the command of the Navy. This began the creation of a separate system of awards and decorations for the US Coast Guard. In 1963, Public Law 88-77 even allowed for the award of the Medal of Honor to a member of the Coast Guard who met the award's criteria, without specifically being under the orders of the Navy.

On 15 October 2010, Public Law 111-281 was passed establishing the Coast Guard Cross under 14 U.S.C.§ 491a.

Statute allows the President to award the Coast Guard Cross, to any person who distinguishes themselves by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor, while serving in any capacity with the Coast Guard, when the Coast Guard is not operating under the Department of the Navy, under one of the following conditions:
 
    • While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States
    • While engaged in military operations involving conflict with a foreign opposing force or international terrorist organization
    • While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.