|
Humanitarian Service Medal |
 |
The Humanitarian Service Medal is a military decoration of the United States
armed forces which was created in 1977 by order of President Gerald Ford. The
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.
The 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. The
medal may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances
involving law enforcement, equal rights demonstrations, or protection of property.
The medal may also not be presented if the 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.
|
|
