Accolades

Massachusetts Medal of Liberty

• Purpose: Awarded to families of service members killed in action, dying of wounds received in action, dying as a prisoner of war, or dying during combat-related conditions and military training accidents in the line of duty.
• Focus: Direct physical sacrifice and combat-related or active-duty operational loss.

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. Died as a result of a training accident in the line of duty.

How to Apply: See your local VSO for assistance

1. Complete part I and II of TAG MA Form 3367.

Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity

• Purpose: Awarded to families of service members or veterans who died later in life or as a direct result of "invisible wounds" or service-connected environmental/toxin exposures.
• Qualifying Circumstances: Includes combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD-related suicides, or exposure to harmful agents, toxins, burn pits, asbestos, and Agent Orange.
• Focus: Acknowledging long-term physical and psychological trauma resulting directly from military service.

Some Examples of Eligibility for the Medal of Fidelity are deaths caused by:

1. Agent Orange
2. Blue Water Exposure
3. Burn Pit Exposure
4. Exposure to any Chemical, Biological, Radiological Agent or Pollutant
5. Oil Fire Exposure
6. 9/11 Ground Zero Recovery
7. Radiation Producing Equipment
8. Asbestos Exposure
9. Combat Related Mental Illness (PTSD)

How to Apply: See your local VSO for assistance
1. Complete part I and II of TAG MA Form 3368. Also enclose all documentation you feel will be helpful in the application process. Documentation should come from federal or state medical or Veterans Department, and state the cause of death, and identify how the cause death was service related.
Surviving family members requesting the Medal of Fidelity 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.