Humanitarian Service Medal

Infobox Military Award
name=Humanitarian Service Medal


caption= Centered on the obverse of the medal within a circle, is a right hand pointing diagonally upward with open palm, (to symbolize a giving or helping hand). At the top of the reverse of the medal is the inscription, "For Humanitarian Service" in three lines. Below this is an oak branch, with three leaves and three acorns, and below this, around the outside edge of the medal, is the inscription, "United States Armed Forces."
awarded_by= Department of Defense
type= Single-grade Medal
eligibility= Military personnel only
for= Established to honor personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation (hands on) in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature, or have rendered a service to mankind. Specifically excluded from eligibility are service members or elements remaining at a geographically separated location or to a location and did not make a direct contribution to influence the action.
status= Currently awarded
established= , Jan. 19, 1977
higher= Armed Forces Service Medal
lower= Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

The Humanitarian Service Medal is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was created on January 19, 1977 by President Gerald Ford under EO|11965. This medal is awarded to any member of the United States military (including Reserve and National Guard members) who distinguish themselves by meritorious participation in specified military acts or operations of a humanitarian nature.

This medal is presented either as an individual decoration or as a decoration bestowed upon an entire military unit. The activities to which the Humanitarian Service Medal may be authorized are designated by the United States Department of Defense. Such activities include natural disaster relief, evacuation of non-combatants from a hostile area, or humanitarian support to refugees. This medal may "not" be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, equal rights demonstrations, or protection of property. This medal may also not be presented if either the Armed Forces Service Medal or Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was presented for the same period service.

The Humanitarian Service Medal is retroactive to April 1, 1975. Multiple awards of the medal are authorized with service stars denoting additional decorations.

References

cite web
title = Humanitarian Service Medal on Air Force Personnel Center | url=http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/main_content.asp?prods1=1&prods2=2&prods3=152&prods4=3&prods5=158&prods6=159&p_faqid=59 | accessdate = 2007-06-29