History

The Hazardous Duty Award was originally established by the Department of Health and Human Services as a ribbon only award. In the late 1980's, a Medal was authorized for wear with the Hazardous Duty Award. The Medal is awarded to civilian and military personnel in recognition of 180 or more consecutive days of service in a position that involves, as determined by the Public Health Service, a frequent risk to personal safety. Service in assignments where the professional knowledge and experience of the officer significantly lowers or eliminates the risk does not qualify for the award. Eligible service may include, but is not limited to, service on ships in international waters with stops at international ports is also eligible, regular flights on unscheduled aircrafts to remote areas, working with dangerous substances, assignments in hostile areas, contact with inmates and detainees at certain prisons, hospital, and immigration facilities, and industrial hygiene surveys of mine sites.

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