14 U.S.C. § 491 : US Code - Section 491: Medal of honor

Search 14 U.S.C. § 491 : US Code - Section 491: Medal of honor

The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a
medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and
appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the Coast Guard,
distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty -
(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United
States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict
with an opposing foreign force;
(3) 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.