That for the purpose of discharging a moral obligation of the commonwealth, and after an appropriation has been made thereof, there shall be allowed and paid out of the state treasury to Colonel William J. Gormley, III, Massachusetts National Guard, the sum of $44,983.12 for legal expenses incurred by him in defending himself against a civil complaint initiated by former Adjunct General Raymond A. Vezina. Said civil complaint having been subsequently withdrawn after evidence demonstrated that Colonel Gormley acted property and in good faith in executing his duties and responsibilities as a member of the Massachusetts Militia.