NY A00357

Authorizes the Governor to present a New York State Vietnam War Commemorative Medal to eligible veterans in the name of the state legislature.

Eligible recipients must be current or former New York State residents who served on active duty in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or their contiguous waters or airspace between November 1, 1955 and May 7, 1975.

Service must have been in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) or organized militia (Army National Guard, Air National Guard, New York Naval Militia, or New York Guard).

Recipients must have received an honorable discharge, been discharged under honorable circumstances, or qualify as a discharged LGBT veteran or veteran with a qualifying condition, excluding those with bad conduct or dishonorable discharges.

The Adjutant General and Director of the Division of Veterans' Services shall establish rules and regulations for medal presentation and distribution; the act takes effect 120 days after becoming law.