[3][4] Julia V. Taft, the director of the Interagency Task Force (IATF) for Indochinese resettlement proposed the establishment of a Humanitarian Service Medal for U.S. military personnel and submitted the request to President Gerald R. Ford on November 10, 1975.

The proposal was met with dissent by Army Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, who was concerned that the military was over-decorating its personnel with awards of participation rather than those of extraordinary achievement.

Army Lieutenant General John W. Vessey supported the creation of the medal as a precedent to recognize military participation in major humanitarian actions.

Such activities include natural disaster relief, evacuation of non-combatants from a hostile area, or humanitarian support to refugees.

This medal may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, riots, or protection of property.