What's happening
This bill authorizes the creation and presentation of a New York State Vietnam War Service Medal to eligible veterans.
Why it matters
Acknowledges and honors Vietnam War veterans. by establishing a state-specific medal, which can provide overdue public recognition for their service—something many Vietnam veterans did not receive upon their return.
Eligibility is inclusive of both current and former New York citizens. who served honorably during the Vietnam War period, ensuring that those who have moved away or resided elsewhere at the time of service are not excluded.
Allows for posthumous recognition,. meaning families of deceased Vietnam veterans can receive the medal on their behalf, offering closure and formal appreciation for loved ones’ sacrifices.
Mandates the creation of rules and regulations. for distributing the medal, which means there will be an official, standardized process—potentially increasing fairness, reducing confusion, and making it easier for eligible veterans and families to apply.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Create Vietnam War Service Medal
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 Vietnam 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
2668
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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam War during the period of time from November first, nineteen hundred fifty-five through April thirtieth, nineteen hundred seventy-five; and (iv) who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances during the Vietnam War. Not more than one New York State Vietnam 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 and naval 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 veterans' affairs,
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08927-01-9
S. 2668 2
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 Vietnam 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; provided, however, that if chapter 332 of the laws of 2018 shall not have taken effect on or before such date then section two of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as such chapter of the laws of 2018 takes effect. 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 Vietnam War Service Medal
Purpose
To establish the Vietnam War Service Medal for members of the armed forces or organized militia serving abroad in the Vietnam War during the period of time from November 1, 1955 through April 30, 1975.
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 Vietnam War Service Medal."
Section 2 amends Subdivision 4 of Section 247 of the Military Law to include the New York State Vietnam 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
New Yorkers pride themselves on recognizing and honoring the courageous service and sacrifice of the heroic members of our armed forces. Howev- er, for many veterans of the Vietnam War, the reception they received upon returning home was muted, insufficient and, in some unfortunate circumstances, highly disrespectful if not outright hostile. As such, many heroic veterans of the Vietnam War never received the proper respect, recognition, thanks and support for their honorable service to the United States of America. The creation of a New York State Vietnam War Service Medal seeks to remedy this by affording the proper appreci- ation due to veterans of the Vietnam War. The New York State Vietnam Veterans War Service Medal is awarded on behalf of all New Yorkers who honor our armed forces and have the deepest respect for the men and women our military who served during the Vietnam War.
Legislative history
2017-18: S.199 passed Senate; A.8531 referred to Veterans' Affairs 2015-16: S.1382 passed Senate; A.3123 referred to Veterans' Affairs 2014-15: S.6161 passed Senate; A.8334 referred to Veterans' Affairs
Fiscal implications
According to the Division of the Budget, the cost to the state will be somewhere between $1,086,511 and $2,185,101.
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.