NJ Service Medals

Community Relations

NJ Service Medals

In accordance with New Jersey statute, the Adjutant General of New Jersey is the approving authority for the award of New Jersey state service medals. Please use the information found here to learn more about eligibility criteria and application procedures.

NJ Distinguished Service Medal

Awarded to any resident or former resident of the State of NJ who was a resident of this State at the time of entry into active military service or who has been a resident of this State for at least 20 years in the aggregate, honorably discharged, and served in the organized militia or in federal military service on active duty in a combat theater of operations during a time of war.

NJ Meritorious Service Medal

Awarded to those veterans who were a resident upon entry into service or if the veteran has been a resident of this State for at least five years in the aggregate, honorably discharged and served in the organized militia, or the Armed Forces of the US or a Reserve component.

NJ Korean Service Medal

Awarded to all residents of the State who were honorably discharged and served on active duty in any branch of the armed forces of the US in Korea, Japan, or the contiguous waters or airspace on or after June 23, 1950 and on or before January 31, 1955.

NJ Vietnam Service Medal

Awarded to all residents of the State who were honorably discharged and served on active duty in any branch of the armed forces of the US in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos or Cambodia or the contiguous waters or airspace thereof on or after December 31, 1960 and on or before May 7, 1975.

NJ POW-MIA Medal

Presented for individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces in a combat theater of operations during time of war or emergency, was taken prisoner and held captive and/or listed as missing in action.

NJ Desert Storm Medal

Awarded to a resident of the State of NJ at time of entry on active duty or assigned to other service components of the Armed Forces of the US who was honorably discharged and served in theater from 1 August 1990 to 1 October 1991.

NJ Global War on Terrorism Medal

Awarded to a resident of the State of NJ at time of entry on active duty or or has been a resident of this State for at least 20 years in the aggregate; as attested by the awarding of honorable discharge and the federal DD214 served in at least one of the following Operations: Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom, Nomad Shadow, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Odyssey Lightning.