When officers, warrant officers or enlisted personnel of the Illinois National Guard are injured, wounded or killed while performing duty in pursuance of orders from the Commander-in-Chief, said personnel or their heirs or dependents, shall have a claim against the State for financial help or assistance, and the State Court of Claims shall act on and adjust the same as the merits of each case may demand. Pending action of the Court of Claims, the Commander-in-Chief is authorized to relieve emergency needs upon recommendation of a board of three officers, one of whom shall be an officer of the medical department.