New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

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New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal

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Introduction

This medal is awarded to those veterans who were not residents of New Jersey when they entered the military service, but who are current residents of New Jersey and have resided in the state for the previous five years.

Eligibility

Criteria:

  • Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States who received an “honorable” discharge but did not serve in a combat theater of operation in time of war and were recognized for “Meritorious Service or Achievement.” (Decorations, Medals and Commendations/Citations must be listed on DD-214)
  • Non-Resident of New Jersey upon entry into Active Duty
  • Current Resident of New Jersey, having resided in new Jersey for at least the past 5 years
  • Posthumous award authorized

For posthumous awards, the surviving spouse or immediate family member of any resident of the State meeting the above requirements for a medal and who was killed while on active duty or died after receiving an honorable discharge from the armed forces may apply for a posthumous awarding of the medal.

Request must include copy of the veteran’s death certificate and proof of relationship as father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother or sister. (Proof may be copies of birth, marriage, baptismal certificates which clearly show relationship, or notarized certificate.)

How to Apply

Individuals applying for the award must mail a completed Application for Award / Program form or a similar request in writing along with a copy of the service members WD Form 53 or DD Form 214 (Separation from Active Duty) attesting to the fact that an Honorable Discharge was granted.

Note: No person shall be entitled to more than one award of the medal.

All Requests should be mailed to: NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs ATTN: DVS-VBB(Medals) PO Box 340 Trenton, NJ 08625-0340

Additional Information

For additional information about this service medal, you can contact the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs using one of the methods below.

Telephone & Fax

Telephone: (609) 530-6954 Fax: (609) 530-6970

Contact Form

Please include a mailing address, email address, or phone number we can reach you at.

DO NOT include any sensitive information, such a Social Security Number, as this is not a secure communication method.

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