![[The Humanitarian Service Medal]](hsm.gif)
Paragraph 2-15, Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards)
25 February 1995
a. The Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM) was established by Executive Order 11965, 19 January 1977. It is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after 1 April 1975 distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation in a Department of Defense approved significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature. It is not awarded for participation in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, equal rights to citizens, or protection of properties.
b. To be eligible, a service member must meet the following requirements:
(1) Must be on active duty at the time of direct participation in a Department of Defense approved humanitarian act or operation. "Active duty" means full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. It includes duty on the active duty list, full-time training duty, annual training duty, and attendance, while in the active military service, at a school designated as a Service school by law or by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned per section 101(22), title 10, United States Code (10 USC 101(22)). This includes service as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy. Members of the Army National Guard are eligible provided that the use of active forces has been authorized in the act or operation.
(2) Must have directly participated in the humanitarian act or operation within the designated geographical area of operation and within specified time limits. "Direct participation" is defined as "hands on" activity at the site or sites of the military act or operation. Specifically excluded from eligibility for this medal are personnel or elements remaining at geographically separated military headquarters.
(3) Must provide evidence which substantiates direct participation in a DOD approved humanitarian act or operation except when by-name eligibility lists are published. Acceptable evidence includes the following:
(a) Certificates, letters of commendation or appreciation.
(b) Officer or enlisted evaluation reports.
(c) Copies of TDY or special duty orders reflecting participation within the specified time frame and geographical location cited.
(d) After-action reports, situation reports, rosters, unit files or any other records or documentation which verify the service members participation.
(e) Statements from commanders, supervisors, or other officials who were in a position to substantiate the service members direct participation in the area of operation.
c. The HSM is a U.S. service medal and does not preclude or conflict with other service medals or decorations awarded on the basis of valor, achievement or meritorious service.
d. No person will be awarded more than one HSM for participation in the same military act or operation.
e. A service star will be worn to denote direct participation in second or subsequent humanitarian acts or operations. The approved HSM operations are in appendix C. (Service stars are described in chap 6.)
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