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Medal For Freedom Recipients

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Medal For Freedom is one of the most important and most distinguished honors a veteran can receive from the government for their time of service. Read on below for information concerning what exactly this achievment entails and check the link to the side for how to apply for your own.​​​

Kentucky now honors its fallen military with the new Kentucky Medal for Freedom.

Help us Find Recipients

Since 1991, approximately 90 Kentuckians lost their lives in combat-related incidents.  KDVA needs help finding the next of kin for man​y of these fallen heroes.

If you believe your loved one may be eligible for nomination, call or email Al Duncan​ at 502-782-5731  or alvin.duncan@ky.gov​

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Eligibility

  1. The Kentucky Medal for Freedom is hereby created to be awarded by the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs to an individual who has been killed in action on or after January 1, 1991, while:
    1. Engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
    2. Engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force;
    3. 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; or
    4. Serving in a combat zone as designated by presidential order.
  2. Individuals eligible to receive the Kentucky Medal for Freedom include:
    1. Members of the Kentucky National Guard or a Reserve Component stationed in Kentucky;
    2. Members of a state National Guard or a Reserve Component who named Kentucky as a home of record;
    3. Members of the regular United States Armed Forces who named Kentucky as a home of record; and
    4. Members of the regular United States Armed Forces, a state National Guard, or a Reserve component who were buried in Kentucky on or after July 15, 2008, and have a surviving spouse, parent, or next available family member who is a Kentucky resident.
  3. The department shall enter the name of a recipient of the Kentucky Medal for Freedom on the Kentucky Medal for Freedom roll.
  4. The department shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to carry out the provisions of this section.
  5. The department may receive funds from the veterans' program trust fund to defray the cost of the Kentucky Medal for Freedom. KRS 40.353​

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, this Department’s services, assistance, and activities are available to all without regard to race, color, or national origin.