Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Receives Service Ribbons Decades After Retirement

Congratulations to Robert Mudge. The Chief Petty Officer with the U.S. Coast Guard retired on June 30, 1977, with more than 20 years of active military service. Little did he realize that decades later, he would become the recipient of three additional honors: the Coast Guard’s Sea Service Ribbon, Restricted Duty Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Mr. Mudge was recently presented the service ribbons during a special presentation in Nevada Congressman Mark Amodei’s Office. Congressman Amodei’s Office was instrumental in helping Mr. Mudge’s obtain his service ribbons. In presenting the ribbons, Mudge was cited for his exceptionally distinguished performance, vision, and leadership in providing for the security and protection of the United States while serving as a Machinery Technician Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. “I’m humbled, honored and very appreciative,” Mudge said.

Coast Guard Career

Mr. Mudge’s career began in October of 1956 when he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He served honorably until September 30, 1960. A month later, in October 1960, Mr. Mudge joined the Coast Guard Reserve where he served until June 13, 1961. He reenlisted the next day and retired on June 30, 1977.

Previous Medals, Awards, Recognitions

Mr. Mudge is the recipient of the U.S. Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze stars. He has also been awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Sea Service, Restricted Duty, Overseas Service Ribbons

In September 2021, Mr. Mudge was presented the Sea Service Ribbon for his outstanding achievement of 11 years, six months, and 12 days of sea service. The Coast Guard Restricted Duty Ribbon was presented in recognition of Mudge’s permanent change of State at Marcus Island, Japan, from 1970 until 1971 and at Kargabarun, Turkey from 1973 – 1974. The Coast Guard Overseas Ribbon was presented in recognition of Mudge’s serve at Coast Guard Loran Station, Marcus Island, Japan from 1970-1971 and Coast Guard Loran Station, Kargabarun, Turkey from 1973-1974.

The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government. Established in 1790, the Coast Guard served as the nation’s only armed force on the sea until Congress launched the Navy Department eight years later. Since then, the Coast Guard has protected the United States throughout its long history and has served proudly in every one of the nation’s conflicts.