Medal:  Obverse:  A bronze disc 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in diameter consisting of a raised circle bearing two hands palms up each grasping a laurel wreath arching towards top center and around a raised five-pointed star, all upon an outer circle of eight rays issuant from center, the top center most ray forming a lug for the suspension ribbon, the remaining seven upon a circular base, all rays connected by a series of lesser rays concave in outline.  Reverse:  The words UNITED STATES ARMY CIVILIAN AWARD FOR HUMANITARIAN SERVICE in raised letters in five horizontal lines all above a recessed semicircular area for inscription. 

Ribbon:  The medal is suspended from a ribbon 1 3/8 inches in width consisting of the following stripes:  3/16" Purple, 1/16" White, 1/4" Light Blue, 1/16 White, 1/4 inch Dark Blue, 1/16 White, 1/4" Light Blue, 1/16" White, 3/16 Purple.

Medal:  The two extended hands grasping a laurel wreath suggest the spirit of the award by reaching out to help, assist, and give aid.  The laurel denotes the unselfish concern for the plight of fellow human beings which this award recognizes and surrounds a star indicating superior achievement. 

Ribbon:  The color purple stands for self-sacrifice, white is for regeneration and blue for benevolence and universal friendship; all are attributes of the humanitarian effort.  It is a variation of the ribbon for the Department of Defense Humanitarian Service Medal.