July 20, 1949

Medal for Humane Action

The Medal for Humane Action was established by an act of the United States Congress approved on 20 July 1949, and implemented by Executive Order 10325 of 7 February 1952. The medal was awarded on behalf of the President of the United States by the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force.

The medal was bestowed upon any person who served in or with the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during the Berlin Airlift. The recipient could have been a member of the armed forces, a US citizen, a member of the armed forces or a citizen of any country other than the United States.

A C-54 medallion on a Black, Blue, and White ribbon.
Any person who lost their lives in support of the Berlin Airlift were eligible for the award. (National Museum of the United States Air Force).
The back of the medal reads: To Supply Necessities of Life to the People of Berlin, Germany. (National Museum of the United States Air Force).