N.J. Stat. Ann. § 38A:15-3

The Adjutant General may procure and issue such service medals, ribbons, clasps, or similar devices as are authorized by the Legislature to be awarded to residents of the State of New Jersey who served on active duty in time of war or emergency or who served as members of the American Merchant Marine during World War II and are declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits.