What's happening
This bill authorizes the creation and awarding of a New York State Korean War Service Medal to eligible veterans.
Why it matters
Honors Korean War veterans with state recognition. By creating a specific medal, New York acknowledges the service and sacrifices of Korean War veterans, a group sometimes referred to as part of the "Forgotten War," which may boost morale and public awareness of their contributions.
Expands eligibility beyond current residents. Veterans who were New York citizens during their service—regardless of current residency—are eligible, ensuring that former residents aren’t excluded from recognition.
Establishes clear, fair criteria for award. The medal is only granted to those who served honorably abroad in the Korean War between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953, promoting integrity and value in the recognition.
Provides for next-of-kin recognition. If a veteran dies before receiving the medal, it can be presented to a designated representative, ensuring families and descendants receive acknowledgment of their loved one’s service.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Honor Korean War Veterans
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Create Korean War Service Medal
In Assembly Committee · Veterans' Affairs · Sponsor William Magnarelli
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2666
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 28, 2019
Introduced by Sen. JORDAN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs
AN ACT to amend the military law, in relation to the issuance of a New York State Korean War Service Medal
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 247 of the military law is amended by adding a new subdivision 1-d to read as follows:
1-d. The adjutant general is hereby authorized to present in the name of the legislature of the state of New York, a medal, to be known as the "New York State Korean War Service Medal", bearing a suitable inscription, to any person: (i) who is a citizen of the state of New York, or (ii) who was a citizen of the state of New York while serving in the armed forces of the United States; (iii) who served in the United States Armed Forces, defined as army, air force, navy, marine corps, or coast guard, or the organized militia on active duty abroad in the Korean War during the period of time from June twenty-fifth, nineteen hundred fifty through July twenty-seventh, nineteen hundred fifty-three; and (iv) who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances during the Korean War. Not more than one New York State Korean War Service Medal shall be awarded or presented, under the provisions of this subdivision, to any person whose entire service subsequent to the time of the receipt of such medal shall not have been honorable. For each succeeding star as provided herein, such person shall be entitled to wear, as the chief of staff of the state may direct, a ribbon whose color and design shall be selected by the division of military affairs. In the event of the death of any person during or subsequent to the receipt of such certificate it shall be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be designated. The adjutant general, in consultation with the director of the division of
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08925-01-9
S. 2666 2
veterans' affairs, shall make such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary for the proper presentation and distribution of such medals.
§ 2. Subdivision 4 of section 247 of the military law, as amended by chapter 332 of the laws of 2018, is amended to read as follows:
4. This section shall not be construed to require that a recipient of the conspicuous service cross, the conspicuous service star, the Cold War Certificate [or], the New York State Silver Rose Veterans Service Certificate or the New York State Korean War Service Medal has been a resident of the state of New York at the time of his or her entry into the United States army, air force, navy, marine corps, or nurses corps.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. The division of military and naval affairs is authorized to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date on or before such date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the military law, in relation to the issuance of a New York State Korean War Service Medal
Purpose
To establish the Korean War Service Medal for members of the armed forc- es or organized militia serving abroad in the Korean War during the period of time from June 25, 1950 through July 27, 1953.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends Section 247 of the Military Law by adding a new subdi- vision 1-c which authorizes the Adjutant General to present in the name of the legislature of the State of New York, a medal to be known as the "New York State Korean War Service Medal."
Section 2 amends Subdivision 4 of Section 247 of the Military Law to include the New York State Korean War Service Medal in this section, with the other state medals, that do not require the recipient of such medals to have been a resident of the State of New York at the time of his or her entry into the armed forces or organized militia.
Section 3 amends Subdivision 1-a of Section 247 of the Military Law to correct the spelling of the word "military".
Section 4 states the effective date to be 120 days after this act shall become law. It also authorizes the Division of Military and Naval Affairs to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement the provisions of this act.
Justification
The Korean War represented the first major military conflict of the Cold War and saw approximately 1.8 million American soldiers endure some of the most challenging environments and dangerous military engagements of the modern era. More than 33,686 U.S. military service personnel died in battle during this long, brutal war.
Inappropriately referred to as America's "forgotten war" the service and sacrifice of New York's heroes who served during the Korean War is not forgotten by their fellow citizens. On the contrary, all New Yorkers will forever remember and proudly honor - the service and sacrifice of the Empire State's Korean War veterans through the creation of a New York State Korean War Service Medal that recognizes the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans who proudly wore America's uniform and served with uncommon valor and courage during this war.
Legislative history
2017-18: S198 Passed Senate
2015-16: S1214A Passed Senate
Fiscal implications
According to the Division of the Budget, the cost to the state will be somewhere between $305,892 and $614,458.
Effective date
This act shall take effect 120 days after it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.