New Jersey State Service Medals

N.J.S.A. 38A:15-3 lets the Adjutant General issue state service medals authorized by the Legislature to residents who served on active duty in time of war or emergency, and to World War II Merchant Mariners with federal veterans' status. The medals stayed with the Department of Military Affairs when the veterans department split off in January 2026; the application goes to [email protected]. The seven are the Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the POW-MIA Medal, the Desert Shield/Desert Storm Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. The newest. N.J.S.A. 38A:15-10, enacted by P.L.2020, c.147, lets the Governor present a Global War on Terrorism Medal to a current or honorably discharged member of the Guard, the Armed Forces or a reserve component who was a New Jersey resident on entering service or has lived in the state for 20 years in all, and who was assigned for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days during Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Nomad Shadow, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom's Sentinel or Odyssey Lightning. It may be awarded after death. The Army benefits library summarizes the others: the Distinguished Service Medal needs combat theater service in war or emergency and residence at entry or for 20 years; the Meritorious Service Medal needs an honorable discharge and residence at entry or for five years. No one receives the same medal twice.