New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal

The New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal was originally issued in 1858 for those who had distinguished themselves in the New Jersey Militia, but was infrequently used until re-authorized by Governor Kean in 1988. It is New Jersey's highest military award.

Eligibility criteria:
~ combat veteran as defined by law.
~ current New Jersey resident.
~ a state resident at the time they entered into military service.
~ honorably discharged.
~ proof of service in combat theater while on active duty during wartime. No one shall be entitled to more than one award of the medal and ribbon.

Oak Leaf Cluster - Those recipients whose service was recognized by the award of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal or equivalent medal will receive a N.J. Distinguished Service Medal with an oak leaf cluster.

New Jersey Vietnam Service Medal

Eligibility criteria:
~ current New Jersey resident.
~ on active duty in any branch of the armed forces of the United States 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.
~ meet one of the following four "in country" requirements:
(a) were attached to or served for one or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations.
(b) were attached to or served for one or more days aboard a United States Naval vessel directly supporting military operations.
(c) participated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous waters directly supporting military operations.
(d) served on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, except that this time limit may be waived for persons participating in actual combat operations.

New Jersey Meritorious Service Medal

This medal is awarded to combat veterans who were not New Jersey residents when they entered the military service, but who are current New Jersey residents and have resided in the state for the previous five years. All other qualifications are the same as for the Distinguished Service Medal.

New Jersey Korean Service Medal

Eligibility criteria:
~ New Jersey residents on active duty in the armed forces in Korea, Japan, or the contiguous waters or airspace thereof on or after June 23, 1950 and on or before January 31, 1955, and
~ were attached to or served for one or more days with an organization participating in or directly supporting military operations; or
~ were attached to or served for one or more days aboard a United States Naval vessel directly supporting military operations; or
~ participated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights into airspace above Korea or contiguous areas, except that this time limit may be waived for persons participating in actual combat operations; or

New Jersey POW-MIA Service Medal

Presented to 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.

Eligibility criteria:
- New Jersey resident
- Resident of New Jersey upon entry on active duty
- Served in a combat theater and was officially listed as a prisoner of war or missing in action by the Department of Defense.
- Received an honorable discharge. Each of these awards can be presented posthumously to the surviving spouse or immediate family member of any state resident meeting the requirements for the medal who was killed while on active duty or who died after receiving an honorable discharge.

APPLICATION FOR AWARD / PROGRAM (PDF)