The Coast Guard Creed, in full
Coast Guard · word for word from the source below
I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman.
I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world.
I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged.
I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders.
I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share.
I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties.
I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems.
I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others.
I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live.
I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril.
With God's help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works...
A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office, Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman, read November 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Author
- Vice Admiral Harry G. Hamlet, U.S. Coast Guard
- Opens with
- "I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman."
- Closes with
- "A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN."
About the Coast Guard Creed
The Coast Guard Historian's Office publishes the creed under the title "Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman" and credits it to "VADM Harry G. Hamlet, USCG."
It opens with pride in the service and closes in capitals: "A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN." Its tenth line is a rescue promise: "I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril."