Criteria

     The Humanitarian Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by meritorious direct participation in any significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature approved by the Department of Defense.

    The medal is not awarded for participation in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, equal rights to citizens, or protection of properties.

b. Service members must be on active duty at the time for direct participation. It also includes service as a cadet at the US Military Academy. Members of the National Guard are eligible provided, that use of active forces has been authorized in the act or operation.

c. Service members must have directly participated in the humanitarian act or operation within the designated geographical area of operation and within specified time limits. Specifically excluded from eligibility for this medal are personnel or elements remaining at geographically separated military headquarters.

     The Humanitarian Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11965 signed by President Gerald R. Ford on 19 January 1977. This order granted the award for taking part in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature after 1 April 1975.

     The Department of Defense Directive 1348.25 established the policy and award criteria for the Humanitarian Service Medal on 23 June 1977. The design of Mr. Jay Morris of The Institute of Heraldry was submitted on 18 April 1977 and approved by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) on 10 May 1977.

     Subsequent awards of the Humanitarian Service Medal are indicated by a bronze star worn on the ribbon.
The designated operations for which the Humanitarian Service Medal may be awarded are listed in DOD Manual 1348.33 (M).

       Designated operations for which the Humanitarian Service Medal may be awarded are listed in DOD Manual 1348.33 (M).

     Executive Order 11965 - Establishing the Humanitarian Service Medal January 19, 1977

     By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America, and as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:

SECTION 1. There is hereby established a Humanitarian Service Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances for award by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Transportation with regard to the Coast Guard when not operating as a Service in the Navy. Individuals eligible for the medal are members of the Armed Forces of the United States (including Reserve Components) who, subsequent to April 1, 1975, distinguished themselves by meritorious participation in a military act or operation of a humanitarian nature. The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation for the Coast Guard will determine types of acts or operations that warrant award of the medal.

SECION 2. The Humanitarian Service Medal and ribbons and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense and shall be awarded by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation for the Coast Guard under uniform regulations, as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The regulations shall place the Humanitarian Service Medal in an order of precedence immediately after the Vietnam Service Medal.

SECTION. 3. No more than one Humanitarian Service Medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each subsequent participation in a humanitarian act or operation justifying such an award, a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with that medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations of the Military Departments.

SECTION 4. The Humanitarian Service Medal or device may be awarded posthumously, and when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Transportation.

GERALD R. FORD The White House, January 19, 1977.