Bill > A05869

This bill establishes the New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal, which can be awarded to New York residents or former residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces (including army, air force, navy, marine corps, or coast guard) on active duty, in the national guard, or in reserves between March 12, 1947, and December 26, 1991. To be eligible, service members must have been discharged under honorable conditions, have a qualifying condition as defined in veterans' services law, or be a discharged LGBT veteran. The medal will be presented by the governor in the name of the New York State Legislature, and no individual can receive more than one such medal. In the event an eligible person dies before receiving the medal, it can be presented to their designated representative. The adjutant general, in consultation with the commissioner of veterans' services, will establish rules for the medal's presentation and distribution. The bill also clarifies that recipients do not need to have been New York residents at the time of their military entry. The act will take effect on the first of April following its passage, with the division of military and naval affairs authorized to develop necessary implementation regulations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5869