This ribbon is awarded to an individual serving in any capacity with the DOT, merchant marines, or other civilians, for an act or service that contributed to recovery from the attacks of 11 September 2001, and force protection following the attacks or efforts that directly contributed to the increased infrastructure security effort between 11 September 2001 and 11 September 2002.

Eligibility:

Specifically, it may be awarded to the following authorized personnel:

• Coast Guard units that shifted Operational Control (OPCON) to Operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, or Protecting Liberty for any amount of time between 11 September 2001 and 11 September 2002.
• All personnel involved in patrolling harbors, critical infrastructure facilities, escorting high interest vessels, and conducting boardings of vessels entering U.S. waters during the period of 11 September 2001 to 11 September 2002. Participation in these operations must be no less than 14 days.
• All personnel to include active, Reserve, Auxiliary, and civilian personnel that manned or augmented for no less than 14 days, Coast Guard, DOT, FEMA, and DoD command centers (including Operations Centers at Groups and above, COTP ICS, FEMA Regional Operations Centers, and VTS) between 11 September 2001 and 11 September 2002.