Medal for Humane Action

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The Medal for Humane Action is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was created by an act of the United States Congress on July 20, 1949. The medal recognizes those military service members who performed extended duty in support of the Berlin Airlift. The medal based on the design of the Airlift Device.

To be awarded the Medal for Humane Action a service member was required to have performed over 120 days of duty, within the geographical boundary of Berlin, with such duty being in support of the Berlin Airlift between the dates of June 26, 1948 and September 30, 1949. Those so qualifying were also eligible for either the Army of Occupation Medal, or the Navy Occupation Service Medal, and both medals were authorized for simultaneously award and display.

The Medal for Humane Action was created for the single purpose of recognizing service during the Berlin Airlift. The medal was never issued again and there are no devices authorized for display on the Medal for Humane Action. Because of the decoration's specific award eligibility, it has the unique quality of being considered as both a military decoration and a commemorative medal.