DOD Awards

Individual Department of Defense Decorations

Chapter 2, Army Regulation 600-8-22
 

Purple Heart

Paragraph 2-8, Army Regulation 600-8-22

The Purple Heart was established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York, on 7 August 1782, during the Revolutionary War. It was reestablished by the President of the United States per War Department General Orders 3, 1932 and is currently awarded pursuant to Executive Order 11016, 25 April 1962, Executive Order 12464, 23 February 1984 and Public Law 98-525, 19 October 1984.

a. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded-

(1) In any action against an enemy of the United States.

(2) In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.

(3) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

(4) As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.

(5) As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force

(6) After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack.

(7) After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

b. While clearly an individual decoration, the Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not "recommended" for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled to it upon meeting specific criteria.

(1) A Purple Heart is authorized for the first wound suffered under conditions indicated above, but for each subsequent award an Oak Leaf Cluster will be awarded to be worn on the medal or ribbon. Not more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent.

(2) A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required, however, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer and records of medical treatment for wounds or injuries received in action must have been made a matter of official record.

(3) When contemplating an award of this decoration, the key issue that commanders must take into consideration is the degree to which the enemy caused the injury. The fact that the proposed recipient was participating in direct or indirect combat operations is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sole justification for award.

(4) Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action.

(b) Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap.

(c) Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent.

(d) Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire.

(e) Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.

(5) Examples of injuries or wounds which clearly do not qualify for award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

(a) Frostbite or trench foot injuries.

(b) Heat stroke.

(c) Food poisoning not caused by enemy agents.

(d) Chemical, biological, or nuclear agents not released by the enemy.

(e) Battle fatigue.

(f) Disease not directly caused by enemy agents.

(g) Accidents, to include explosive, aircraft, vehicular, and other accidental wounding not related to or caused by enemy action.

(h) Self-inflicted wounds, except when in the heat of battle, and not involving gross negligence.

(i) Post traumatic stressdisorders.

(j) Jump injuries not caused by enemy action.

(6) It is not intended that such a strict interpretation of the requirement for the wound or injury to be caused by direct result of hostile action be taken that it would preclude the award being made to deserving personnel. Commanders must also take into consideration the circumstances surrounding an injury, even if it appears to meet the criteria. Note the following examples:

(a) In a case such as an individual injured while making a parachute landing from an aircraft that had been brought down by enemy fire; or, an individual injured as a result of a vehicle accident caused by enemy fire, the decision will be made in favor of the individual and the award will be made.

(b) Individuals wounded or killed as a result of "friendly fire" in the "heat of battle" will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the "friendly" projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage or destroying enemy troops or equipment.

(c) Individuals injured as a result of their own negligence; for example, driving or walking through an unauthorized area known to have been mined or placed off limits or searching for or picking up unexploded munitions as war souvenirs, will not be awarded the Purple Heart as they clearly were not injured as a result of enemy action, but rather by their own negligence.

c. A Purple Heart will be issued to the next of kin of each person entitled to a posthumous award. Issue will be made automatically by the Commanding General, PERSCOM, upon receiving a report of death indicating entitlement.

d. Upon written application to Commander, ARPERCEN, ATTN: DARP-VSE-A, 9700 Page Boulevard. St. Louis, MO 63132-5200, award may be made to any member of the Army, who during World War I, was awarded a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate signed by the Commander in Chief, American Expeditionary Forces, or who was authorized to wear wound chevrons. Posthumous awards to personnel who were killed or died of wounds after 5 April 1917 will be made to the appropriate next of kin upon application to the Commanding General, PERSCOM.

e. Any member of the Army who was awarded the Purple Heart for meritorious achievement or service, as opposed to wounds received in action, between 7 December 1941 and 22 September 1943, may apply for award of an appropriate decoration instead of the Purple Heart.

f. For those who became Prisoners of War after 25 April 1962, the Purple Heart will be awarded to individuals wounded while prisoners of foreign forces, upon submission by the individual to the Department of the U.S. Army of an affidavit that is supported by a statement from a witness, if this is possible. Documentation and inquiries should be directed to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC-PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471.

g. Any member of the U.S. Army who believes that he or she is eligible for the Purple Heart, but through unusual circumstances no award was made, may submit an application through military channels, to Commander, PERSCOM, ATTN: TAPC PDA, Alexandria, VA 22332-0471. Application will include complete documentation, to include evidence of medical treatment, pertaining to the wound.

h. As noted in a above, the Purple Heart may be awarded to civilian nationals of the United States. These individuals must be serving under competent authority with the Army when wounded. Serving under competent authority with the Army will include those eligible persons who are employees of the U.S. Government in a duty (pay or official travel) status when wounds are sustained. Examples of eligible individuals are as follows:

(1) Any Army employee who is traveling outside of the continental limits of the United States on PCS or temporary duty (TDY) aboard a commercial aircraft and wounded by international terrorists in an attempted or actual hijacking incident.

(2) An Army employee in an Army office building performing his or her job who is wounded by an explosive device detonated by international terrorists.

(3) A civil or foreign service employee from a U.S. Government Agency or Department attached to an Army element performing intelligence, counter-terrorist, or other duties with the Army wounded by international terrorists.

(4) An Army employee wounded in an international terrorist incident in which a soldier or soldiers are also wounded.

Prisoner of War Medal

Paragraph 2-9, Army Regulation 600-8-22

a. The POW Medal is authorized by Public Law 99-145, section 1128, title 10, United States Code (10 USC 1128), 8 November 1985, and is authorized for any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after 5 April 1917.

b. The POW Medal is to be issued only to those U.S. military personnel and other personnel granted creditable U.S. military service who were taken prisoner and held captive.

(1) While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.

(2) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.

(3) While serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

c. U.S. and foreign civilians who have been credited with U.S. military service which encompasses the period of captivity are also eligible for the medal. The Secretary of Defense authorized on January 27, 1990, the POW Medal for the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Recognized Guerrilla Unit Veterans who were held captive between December 7, 1941, and September 26, 1945. DD Form 2510-1 (Prisoner of War Medal Application/Information-Philippine commonwealth Army and Recognized Guerrilla Veterans) was developed as the application for Filipino Veterans who fit this category.

d. For purposes of this medal, past armed conflicts are defined as World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, and Persian Gulf War. Hostages of terrorists and persons detained by governments with which the United States is not engaged actively in armed conflict are not eligible for the medal.

e. Any person convicted of misconduct or a criminal charge by a U.S. military tribunal, or who receives a less than honorable discharge based upon actions while a prisoner of war, or whose conduct was not in accord with the Code of Conduct, and whose actions are documented by U.S. military records is ineligible for the medal. The Secretary of the Army is the authority for deciding eligibility in such cases.

f. No more than one POW Medal will be awarded. For subsequent award of the medal, service stars will be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal. A period of captivity terminates on return to U.S. military control. Escapees who do not return to U.S. military control and are recaptured by an enemy do not begin a new period of captivity for subsequent award of the POW Medal. (Service stars are described in chap 6.)

g. The POW Medal may be awarded posthumously.

h. The primary next of kin of eligible prisoners of war who die in captivity may be issued the POW Medal regardless of the length of stay in captivity.

i. Personnel officially classified as MIA are not eligible for award of the POW Medal. The POW Medal will only be awarded when the individuals prisoner of war status has been officially confirmed and recognized as such by the Department of the Army. Likewise, the return of remains, in and of itself, does not constitute evidence of confirmed prisoner of war status.

j. All requests for the POW Medal will be initiated by eligible former POWs, or their next of kin, using a personal letter or DD form 2510 (prisoner of War Medal Application/Information). Applications should be forwarded to the Commander, ARPERCEN, ATTN: DARP-VSE-A, 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, M0 63132-5200.

National Defense Service Medal

Paragraph 2-10, Army Regulation 600-8-22

a. The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was established by Executive Order 10448, 22 April 1953, as amended by Executive Order 11265, 11 January 1966 and Executive Order 12776, 18 October 1991. It is awarded for honorable active service for any period between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954, both dates inclusive, between 1 January 1961 and 14 August 1974, both dates inclusive, and 2 August 1990 to a date to be determined.

b. For the purpose of this award, the following persons will not be considered as performing active service:

(1) Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve forces personnel on short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program.

(2) Any service member on temporary duty or temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions, and like organizations.

(3) Any service member on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.

c. In addition to the conditions listed in b. above, Executive Order 12776 extended award of the NDSM to all members of the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve who were part of the selected Reserve in good standing during the period 2 August 1990 to a date to be determined. During this period, soldiers in the following categories will not be considered eligible:

(1) Any soldier of the Individual Ready Reserve, Inactive National Guard or the standby or retired Reserve whose active duty service was for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.

(2) Any soldier of the Individual Ready Reserve, Inactive National Guard or the standby or retired reserve whose active duty service was for training only, or to serve on boards, courts, commissions and like organizations.

d. Any member of the Army National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve who, after 31 December 1960, becomes eligible for the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Vietnam Service Medal, is also eligible for award of the NDSM. The NDSM may be awarded to members of the Reserve Component who are ordered to Federal active duty regardless of the duration (except for categories listed in b above).

e. To signify receipt of a second or subsequent award of the NDSM, a service star will be worn on the service ribbon by U.S. Army personnel so qualified. Second or third award of the NDSM is authorized for soldiers who served in one or more of the three time periods as listed in a above. It is not authorized for soldiers who met the criteria in one time period, left active duty and returned during the same period of eligibility. (Service stars are described in chap 6.)

f. Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods listed above, upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.

g. The NDSM may be awarded posthumously.

Antarctica Service Medal

Paragraph 2-11, Army Regulation 600-8-22

a. The Antarctica Service Medal (ASM) was established by Public Law 86-600 (DA Bull. 3, 1960).

b. The ASM is awarded to any person who, after 2 January 1946 and before a date to be announced, meets any of the following qualifications.

(1) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who is a member of a direct support or exploratory operation in Antarctica.

(2) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who participates in or has participated in a foreign Antarctic expedition in Antarctica in coordination with a United States expedition and who is or was under the sponsorship and approval of competent U.S. Government authority.

(3) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who participates in or has participated in flights as a member of the crew of an aircraft flying to or from the Antarctic continent in support of Operations in Antarctica.

(4) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who serves or has served on a U.S. ship operating south of latitude 60 degrees S. in support of U.S. programs in Antarctica.

(5) Any person, including citizens of foreign nations, not fulfilling any of the above qualifications, but who participates in or has participated in a United States expedition in Antarctica at the invitation of a participating United States Agency. In such cases, the award will be made by the Secretary of the Department under whose cognizance the expedition falls, provided the commander of the military support force, as the senior U.S. representative in Antarctica, considers that the individual has performed outstanding and exceptional service and shared the hardships and hazards of the expedition.

c. Personnel who remain on the Antarctic Continent during the winter months will be eligible to wear a clasp or a disc as described below

(1) A clasp with the words "Wintered Over" on the suspension ribbon of the medal.

 

(2) A 5/16 inch diameter disc with an outline of the Antarctic continent inscribed thereon fastened to the bar ribbon representing the medal.

d. The appurtenances in (1) and (2) above are awarded in bronze for the first winter, in gold for the second winter, and in silver for personnel who "winter over" three or more times.

e. Subsequent to 1 June 1973, minimum time limits for the award are 30 days under competent orders to duty at sea or ashore, south of latitude 60 degrees S. Each day of duty under competent orders at any outlying station on the Antarctic continent will count as 2 days when determining award eligibility. Effective 1 July 1987, flight crews of aircraft providing logistics support from outside the Antarctic area may qualify for the award after 15 missions (one flight in and out during any 24-hour period equals one mission). Days need not be consecutive.

f. No person is authorized to receive more than one award of the Antarctica Service Medal. Not more than one clasp or disc will be worn on the ribbon. Antarctica is defined as the area south of latitude 60 degrees S. The Antarctica Service Medal takes precedence immediately after the Korean Service Medal.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Paragraph 2-12, Army Regulation 600-8-22

a. The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) was established by Executive Order 10977, dated 4 December 1961 (DA Bull. 1, 1962) and Executive Order 11231, 8 July 1965. This medal is authorized for U.S. military operations, U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations, and U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations. Operation, area of operations, and direct support are defined in the glossary.

b. The AFEM is awarded for service after 1 July 1958, meeting the qualifications indicated below:

(1) Personnel must be a bona fide member of a unit and engaged in the operation, or meet one or more of the following criteria:

 

(2) Rescinded.

(a) Have served not less than 30 consecutive days in the area of operations.

 

(b) Be engaged in direct support of the operation for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days, provided this support involves entering the area of operations. The qualifying criteria for non-unit direct support personnel in Grenada is 6 consecutive days or 12 nonconsecutive days.

(c) Serve for the full period where an operation is less than 30 days duration.

(d) Be engaged in actual combat, or duty which is equally as hazardous as combat, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area.

(e) Participate as a regularly assigned crewmember of an aircraft flying into, out of, within, or over the area in support of the military operation.

(f) Be recommended, or attached to a unit recommended, by the chief of a service or the commander of unified or specified command for award of the medal, although the criteria above have not been fulfilled. Such recommendations may be made to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) for duty of such value to the operation as to warrant particular recognition.

c. The designated U.S. military operations, areas, and dates are as follows:

(1) Quemoy and Matsu Islands. From 23 August 1956 to 1 June 1963.

 

(2) Lebanon From 1 July 1958 to 1 November 1958.

(3) Taiwan Straits. From 23 August 1958 to I January 1959.

(4) Berlin. From 14 August 1961 to 1 June 1963.

(5) Cuba. From 24 October 1962 to I June 1963.

(6) Congo. From 23 to 27 November 1964.

(7) Dominican Republic. From 28 April 1965 to 21 September 1966.

(8) Korea. From 1 October 1966 to 30 June 1974.

(9) Cambodia (Evacuation of Cambodia-Operation EAGLE PULL). From 11 to 13 April 1975.

(10) Vietnam (Evacuation of Vietnam-Operation FREQUENT WIND). From 29 to 30 April 1975.

(11) Mayaguez Operation. 15 May 1975.

(12) Grenada Operation URGENT FURY. From 23 October 1983 to 21 November 1983. The qualifying criteria for non-unit direct support personnel in Grenada is 6 consecutive days or 12 nonconsecutive days.

(13) Libya-Operation ELDORADO CANYON. From 12 April 1986 to 17 April 1986.

(14) Persian Gulf Operation EARNEST WILL. From 24 July 1987, the date of the Bridgeton incident, to 1 August 1990. The area of operations is the area from 20 degrees north latitude northward to 30 degrees, 30 minutes, north latitude and from 46 degrees, 36 minutes, east longitude eastward to 63 degrees east longitude. These geographical limits include the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Kuwait, the Gulf of Oman and most of Saudi Arabia.

(15) Panama-Operation JUST CAUSE. From 20 December 1989 to 31 January 1990.

d. Designated U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations: Congo. From 14 July 1960 to 1 September 1962.

e. Designated U.S. operations of assistance for a friendly foreign nation are as follows:

(1) Laos. From 19 April 1961 to 7 October 1962.

 

(2) Vietnam. From 1 July 1958 to 3 July 1965.

(3) Cambodia From 29 March 1973 to 15 August 1973.

(4) Thailand (only those in direct support of Cambodia operations). From 29 March 1973 to 15 August 1973.

(5) Lebanon. From 1 June 1983 to I December 1987.

f. One bronze service star is worn to denote subsequent award of the AFEM. To be eligible for additional awards, service must be rendered in more than one of the designated areas and dates specified in c, d, and e above. No two awards will be made for service in the same designated area. (Service stars are described in chap 6.)

Vietnam Service Medal

Paragraph 2-13, Army Regulation 600-8-22

a. The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) was established by Executive Order 11231, 8 July 1965. It is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace there over, after 3 July 1965 through 28 March 1973. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspace there over, during the same period and serving in direct support of operations in Vietnam are also eligible for this award.

b. To qualify for award of the VSM an individual must meet one of the following qualifications:

(1) Be attached to or regularly serve for 1 or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations.

(2) Be attached to or regularly serve for 1 or more days aboard a Naval vessel directly supporting military operations.

(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations.

(4) Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that time limit may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.

c. No person will be entitled to more than one award of the VSM.

d. Individuals qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for reason of service in Vietnam between I July 1958 and 3 July 1965 (inclusive) shall remain qualified for that medal. Upon request (unit personnel officer) any such individual may be awarded the VSM instead of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In such instances, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal will be deleted from the list of authorized medals in personnel records. No person will be entitled to both awards for Vietnam service.

e. Vietnam and contiguous waters, as used herein, is defined as an area which includes Vietnam and the water adjacent thereto within the following specified limits: From a point on the East Coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with China southeastward to 21 N. Latitude, 108 15'E. Longitude; thence, southward to 18 N. Latitude, 108 15'E. Longitude; thence southeastward to 17 30'N. Latitude, 111 E. Longitude; thence southward to 11 N. Latitude; 111 E. Longitude, thence southwestward to 7 N. Latitude, 105 E. Longitude; thence westward to 7 N. Latitude, 103 E. longitude, thence northward to 9 30'N. Latitude, 103 E. Longitude, thence northeastward to 10 15'N. Latitude, 104 27'E. Longitude, thence northward to a point on the West Coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with Cambodia.

f. The VSM may be awarded posthumously.

g. The boundaries of the Vietnam combat zone for campaign participation credit are as defined in d. above.

h. One bronze service bar is authorized for each campaign under the following conditions:

(1) Assigned or attached to and present for duty with a unit during the period in which it participated in combat.

(2) Under orders in the combat zone and in addition meets any of the following requirements:

(a) Awarded a combat decoration.

(b) Furnished a certificate by a commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that he actually participated in combat.

(c) Served at a normal post of duty (as contrasted to occupying the status of an inspector, observer, or visitor).

(d) Aboard a vessel other than in a passenger status and furnished a certificate by the home port commander of the vessel that he served in the combat zone.

(3) Was an evader or escapee in the combat zone or recovered from a prisoner-of-war status in the combat zone during the time limitations of the campaign. The Vietnam campaigns are in appendix B. (Service Stars are described in chap 6.)

Southwest Asia Service Medal

Paragraph 2-14, Army Regulation 600-8-22

a. The Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) was established by Executive order 12754, 12 March 1991. It is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Southwest Asia and contiguous waters or airspace there over on or after 2 August 1990 to a date to be determined. Southwest Asia and contiguous waters, as used herein, is defined as an area which includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees N. latitude and west of 68 degrees E. Longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.

b. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) between 17 January 1991 and 11 April 1991, will also be eligible for this award. Members serving in these countries must have been under the command and control of U.S. Central Command or directly supporting military operations in the combat theater.

c. To be eligible, a service member must meet one or more of the following criteria:

(1) Be attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground or shore (military) operations.

(2) Be attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations.

(3) Be actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the area designated above.

(4) Be serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. These time limitations may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

d. The SWASM may be awarded posthumously to any person who lost his or her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in Operation DESERT SHIELD or Operation DESERT STORM without regard to the length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

e. One bronze service star will be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the SWASM for participation in each designated campaign. Service stars are described in chapter 6. The designated campaigns for Southwest Asia are listed in appendix B.

Humanitarian Service Medal

Paragraph 2-15, Army Regulation 600-8-22

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.)