Senator Kathy Marchione announces Senate passage of her legislation establishing the “New York State Korean War Service Medal”

For Release: Monday, June 19, 2017

Contact: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-2381, fitzpatr@nysenate.gov

Albany, NY – Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I,Reform-Halfmoon), Chair of the Senate Local Government Committee, today announced the Senate’s passage of her legislation, Senate Bill S.198, that would amend the State Military Law to establish the “New York State Korean War Service Medal.” The legislation passed the Senate during today’s Session by a vote of 62-0.

Under Senator Marchione’s legislation, members of the United States armed forces or organized militia serving abroad during the Korean War, from June 25, 1950, through July 27, 1953, would be eligible for the New York State Korean War Service Medal. 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 reality is that New Yorkers do not forget the sacrifice of the heroes who served during the Korean War. 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. This new medal recognizes the service and sacrifice of Korean War Veterans who proudly wore America’s uniform and served with uncommon valor and courage during the war.

“Neither the Korean War nor the heroic sacrifices and selfless service of the courageous veterans who fought during it should ever be forgotten. Creating a New York State Korean War Service Medal is a fitting way to recognize, remember and honor New York’s Korean War Veterans who proudly served during the war,” Senator Marchione said.

Senator Marchione’s legislation is expected to be introduced in the Assembly by Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore) before Session concludes this week.

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