The Massachusetts Medal of Liberty is open to all branches of service and is awarded in the name of the Governor of Massachusetts as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth to any Massachusetts serviceman or woman killed in action or who died as a result of wounds received in action.
Criteria
In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 33 Section 67A, There shall be a Massachusetts Medal of Liberty which shall be awarded to the Next of Kin of service men and women from the Commonwealth killed in action or who died in service while in a designated combat area in the line of duty or who died as a result of wounds received in action or who died as a result of a training accident in the line of duty. The Adjutant General and 2 field grade officers of the armed forces of the Commonwealth detailed by the Adjutant General shall constitute a commission to make recommendations to the Commander- In-Chief for the awarding of the Medal of Liberty. If a fallen service member from the Commonwealth who qualifies for the medal of liberty has no surviving spouse, children, siblings or parents, such service member's next closest surviving relative including, but not limited to, any nephews or nieces, shall be eligible for the Medal of Liberty.
1. In any action against an enemy of the United States.
2. In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged.
3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force, in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
4. As a result of an action of any such enemy of opposing armed forces.
5. As the result of an act of any hostile force. 6. While in a designated combat area in the line of duty or who died as a result of wounds received in action.
7. After 28 March 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States of a foreign nation friendly to the United States.
8. After 28 March 1973, as a result of military operations, while service outside the territory of the United States as part of a peace keeping or humanitarian force.
9. After 6 December 1941, by weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the weapon causing the wound.
10. While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive.
11. Died as a result of a training accident in the line of duty.
How to Apply:
1. Complete part I and II of TAG MA Form 3367.
Also enclose a DD Form 1300 or any documentation you feel will be helpful in the application process. Documentation should come from federal or state medical or Veterans Department, and state the classification of death, and identify how the cause of death was service related.
2. Mail to:
JFHQ-MA
Office of the Adjutant General
Attention: Medal of Liberty
2 Randolph Road - Bldg. 1505
Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-3001
3. Or Submit via Email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Surviving family members requesting the Medal of Liberty must apply for the award through the Office of the Adjutant General, 2 Randolph Road, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA 01731. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Military Records Office, War Records Section, in the Office of the Adjutant General, is responsible for validating and approving requests.
Following a review, validation and approval of records Next of Kin of service members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and the United States Merchant Marine found to be qualified are awarded the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty by the Office of the Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard.
Please allow three (3) months for the Medal of Liberty applications to be processed.
Links
MA Veteran's Services: Cemeteries and Honors
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: National Cemetery Administration
