“The Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal recognizes Auxiliarists who contribute exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary Distinguished Service Medal is only awarded by the Commandant.”

David A. Elliot

(Extract of the citation) Mr. Elliot is cited for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a position of great responsibility as Chief, Auxiliary Aviation Training Branch and Deputy Department Chief Operations.

Mr. Elliot personally championed the Auxiliary Aviation Standardization Team; a first ever initiative. He led a team which crafted new training syllabi for Auxiliary pilots and flight crews. He devised a risk assessment process and implemented a comprehensive cycle or aviation program review which ensured uniform training, operational readiness and safe mission accomplishment. As a mentor and advisor he provided invaluable guidance in the creation of the Auxiliary Surface Standardization Team. As a direct result the Auxiliary trained and qualified over 10,700 coxswains and boat crew members, 1,200 pilots and crewpersons and 2,900 radio operators who contributed more than 800,000 hours of operational support to Coast Guard missions.