DA Form 5652: Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service – The DA Form 5652 serves as the official certificate for the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service, a prestigious Department of the Army honor. It recognizes civilians who demonstrate exceptional “hands-on” involvement in humanitarian acts or operations that aid individuals or groups in need.
Whether you are an Army civilian employee, a U.S. private citizen, or a foreign national who contributed to a relief effort supporting U.S. Army missions, this award highlights meritorious humanitarian service. Established in November 1985, it complements the military Humanitarian Service Medal but targets non-military contributors.
What Is the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service?
This honorary and public service award consists of:
- A bronze medal (35mm diameter)
- Lapel button
- Certificate (DA Form 5652)
Obverse design: Two hands holding laurel wreaths supporting a five-pointed star, symbolizing aid and achievement. The ribbon features purple edges, light blue, dark blue, and white stripes.
It honors direct, meritorious participation in humanitarian efforts—such as disaster relief, emergency aid, or community support operations—not general volunteer work or indirect contributions.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible recipients include:
- Army civilian employees (direct-hire U.S. citizens and foreign nationals paid from appropriated funds)
- Private U.S. citizens
- Private citizens and government officials of foreign nations
Key requirements:
- Meritorious direct “hands-on” participation in a humanitarian act or operation.
- Evidence of on-site involvement (documentation must substantiate personal contributions).
- Nominations can cover a period of significant humanitarian actions, deeds, or achievements.
Note: This award differs from performance or service awards. It focuses specifically on humanitarian impact. When the Secretary of Defense designates an operation as humanitarian, approvals can use participant lists without individual justifications.
Approval Authority and Nomination Process
- Approval: Any commander at the Major Army Command (MACOM/ACOM) level or higher (can be further delegated in some cases to MG or civilian equivalent).
- Higher recognition: Achievements deserving Army-wide attention go to the Secretary of the Army (SECARMY).
- Process: Submit nominations with supporting documentation detailing the humanitarian service. Use DA Form 1256 or command-specific formats for recommendations.
Consult your local Army civilian personnel office, command awards coordinator, or AR 672-20 (Incentive Awards) for current procedures.
How to Download DA Form 5652?
The official DA Form 5652 (Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service certificate) is available through Army Publishing Directorate channels. Search for it on armypubs.army.mil or through your unit’s forms library. Always use the latest official version for presentations or records.
Pro Tip: Fillable PDFs are often available for official use. Verify with your servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) or awards office to ensure compliance.
Why This Award Matters?
In an era of frequent natural disasters, global crises, and community support needs, the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service publicly thanks those who step up to help. It boosts morale among Army civilians and volunteers while strengthening ties between the Army and the communities it serves. Recipients wear the medal and lapel pin with pride at official events.
Past recipients have been recognized for actions in disaster response, refugee assistance, and emergency medical support tied to Army operations.
Related Awards
- Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM): For military service members (post-1975).
- Other Army civilian awards (e.g., Civilian Service Achievement Medal, Commander’s Award for Public Service) under AR 672-20.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can private citizens receive DA Form 5652?
Yes, U.S. private citizens and eligible foreign nationals qualify for this public service recognition.
Is there a time limit for nomination?
Nominations are best submitted promptly after the service, but consult your command for specific windows.
Where can I find the full regulation?
Army Regulation 672-20 (Incentive Awards), available on official Army sites.
For the most current information, visit official U.S. Army resources like armypubs.army.mil or contact your local Army command. Awards policies can update, so verify details with authoritative sources.