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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 Humanitarian Service Medal is retroactive to April 1, 1975. Multiple awards of the medal are authorized with service stars denoting additional decorations.
See also: Awards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the U.S. military