Medals Database > By Country > United States

The Medal for Humane Action

American Medals and Awards: The Medal for Humane Action

Average Price:

$40 to $80

(The cost varies based on the medal’s historical significance, the recipient’s background, and the condition of the medal)

The Medal for Humane Action is a United States Armed Forces military award created by an act (63 Stat. 477) of the United States Congress on July 20, 1949 to recognize military service members who performed extended duty in support of the Berlin Airlift.

This medal was created for the single purpose of recognizing service during the Berlin Airlift and was never issued again. To be awarded the Medal for Humane Action, a service member had to have performed over 120 days of duty within the geographical boundary of Berlin. Posthumous award was possible to any person who had lost his life while, or as a direct result of, participating in the Berlin airlift, without regard to the length of such service.

Those qualifying were also eligible for either the Army of Occupation Medal, or the Navy Occupation Service Medal, and both medals were authorized for simultaneous award and display.

The Medal for Humane Action Design

The medal is based on the design of the Berlin Airlift Device. It was designed by Thomas Hudson Jones a Buffalo-born sculptor of the Army Heraldic Section.

It’s made of bronze and round, and it measures 1.25 inches (32 mm) in diameter. On the obverse, it depicts a Douglas C-54 Skymaster over a wheat wreath. In the center of the wreath is the Coat of arms of Berlin. The reverse shows the eagle, shield, and arrows from the seal of the Department of Defense and reads “For Humane Action / To Supply Necessities of Life to the People of Berlin Germany“.

The medal is suspended by a ribbon of teal blue with black edges separated by thin white stripes. In the center is a red stripe with thin white stripes.

Find This Medal Online

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

More Medals from the United States

Discover the storied legacy of American valor and service with this curated collection of medals spanning different periods in United States history. From the revered Medal of Honor, recognizing extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice, to campaign medals commemorating pivotal moments in American military history, each medal tells a tale of courage, dedication, and patriotism.

Find American Medals Online

Browse the listings below if you want to find the perfect addition to your collection or a meaningful gift for the history enthusiast in your life.

Right Now on eBay 
Clicking a link to eBay may result in a referral commission being paid if a purchase is made.
Loading...

Further Reading About American History

From gripping accounts of the founding fathers to insightful analyses of pivotal moments in the nation’s development, this selection offers something for every history enthusiast. Explore the pages of these meticulously researched volumes to uncover the diverse stories and enduring legacies that have shaped the United States.

Featured Articles about the United States