N.J. Stat. § 38:23A-4
The word "veteran" as used in this act shall mean any person who served in the active military or naval service of the United States on or after September 16, 1940, and prior to the termination of the war by lawful federal authority, or during the present emergency, including any member of the American Merchant Marine who is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans' benefits, who was a resident of this State when he entered such active service, who shall have been discharged, or released, therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable and who either shall have served 90 days or shall have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of an actual service-incurred injury or disability.
The term "present emergency" as used in this act shall mean and include any time after June 23, 1950, and on or prior to January 31, 1955.
N.J.S. § 38:23A-4