New Jersey's Medals Programs

Left to right: NJ Meritorious Service Medal, NJ Distinguished Service Medaln and the NJ Vietnam Service Medal. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen.

Distinguished Service Medal
Veterans must have been a resident of New Jersey upon entry on active duty, served in a combat theater of operations and be a current resident of N.J. Posthumous awards are authorized. An Oak Leaf Cluster is affixed to the service ribbon for those who have been awarded a Purple Heart Medal or higher award. Veterans must have an Honorable Discharge (General Discharge – Under Honorable Conditions does not qualify.)

Meritorious Service Medal
This award is presented to veterans who served in a combat theater of operations and are a current resident of N.J. Awarded only to those veterans who do not qualify for the N.J. Distinguished Service Medal because they were not residents of New Jersey upon entry on active duty. A posthumous award is authorized. The Oak Leaf Cluster is not authorized. Veterans must have an Honorable Discharge (General Discharge – Under Honorable Conditions does not qualify.)

Vietnam Service Medal
The VSM is awarded to current residents of New Jersey who served on active duty on or after Dec. 31, 1960 and on or before May 7, 1975 in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia or the contiguous waters or airspace of those countries. Posthumous awards are authorized. An Oak Leaf Cluster is not authorized. Veterans must have an Honorable Discharge (General Discharge – Under Honorable Conditions does not qualify.)

To receive an application form for any of these medals, either call: 1-800-624-0508 or e-mail Robert.Wimberly@njdmava.state.nj.us. One form covers all medals.