The Hall of Heroes was established in April 2005 by the Class of 1959 when the group spearheaded the transformation of the first floor corridor into a prominent, commemorative landmark. Now, the area houses a stately series of signs and memorial plaques honoring heroic U.S. Coast Guard Academy alumni, supported by the Classes of 1959 and 2009 via their combined endowment.
USCGA Hall of Heroes consists of the Wall of Gallantry and the Wall of Remembrance. Eligible graduates for the Wall of Gallantry are those who have distinguished themselves during operations and have received one of the following awards:
- Medal of Honor
- Navy Cross
- Coast Guard Cross
- Gold Medal of Congress
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit (with combat “V”)
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Coast Guard Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Medal
- Gold Lifesaving Medal
- Bronze Star (with combat "V")
- Commendation Medal (with combat "V")
- Achievement Medal (with combat "V")
- Silver Lifesaving Medal
- NASA Space Flight Medal
(Combat Operations are no longer required for eligibility for the Distinguished Flying Cross. Graduates who do not meet the above criteria may still be eligible.)