Marine Corps officials identified five units that are eligible for the award after participating in relief missions following Typhoon Haiyan, which ravaged the island nation in November 2013.

Leaders will determine Marines' eligibility for the medal, according to a late-April administrative message. To be eligible, Marines had to be deployed to the Philippines between Nov. 10 and Dec. 1. The deployment had to be related to Typhoon Haiyan, and they had to be performing humanitarian missions while there.

Units eligible to receive the award include:

  • 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
  • 3rd Marine Headquarters Group
  • 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
  • 3rd Marine Logistics Group
  • Combat Logistics Regiment 3
  • 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

About 1,500 Marines deployed to the Philippines to assist with relief efforts within a week of the storm that left more than 6,300 dead and thousands more displaced. Then-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel approved $10 million to support the relief operation after the typhoon caused billions of dollars in damage.

Marines rushed from Okinawa, Japan, by air and sea to help with relief efforts. Just four days after the storm hit, Marines got the main airfield in the hard-hit area of Tacloban back up and running. They put up lights and towers, which allowed aircraft to take off and land there 24 hours a day.

Osprey crew members offload displaced Filipinos at Villamor Air Base in Manila, Philippines, on Monday, November 18, 2013. (Mike Morones/Staff)

Osprey crew members offload displaced Filipinos on Nov. 18, 2013, following Typhoon Haiyan. Marines who participated in relief efforts are eligible to receive the Humanitarian Service Award.

Photo Credit: Mike Morones/Staff

Over the next several weeks, Marines transported more than 7,500 displaced people and about 1,100 tons of relief supplies, flying at least 650 sorties for a total of 869 flight hours. Marines hauled people, equipment and supplies in KC-130J Hercules and flew MV-22B Ospreys out to hard-to-reach places. The duo proved vital as they tried to reach people whose roads were blocked by uprooted trees.

Marines who participated in the efforts who believe they're eligible for the Humanitarian Service Medal should contact their immediate commander, according to the administrative message. Commanders should submit roster lists of those eligible for the medal to the Military Awards Branch.

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