Does a Cold War ribbon exist? If so, how do people who served during the Cold War get it added on their DD Form 214?

SSgt David Marks — Wed, 06 May 2020 00:14:32 -0400

Recently I saw a ribbon that was listed and was called the Cold War ribbon. My whole time in the AF was served during the Cold War. Is the ribbon for real and how do people that served during the cold war get it added on the DD Form 214 ?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2020 6:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2020 06:46:00 -0400

No, but there is a Certificate
This is the Army Info, Air Force may be the same

https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Cold%20War%20Recognition%20Certificate%20Program%20FAQs

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Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 6 at 2020 9:50 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 06 May 2020 09:50:09 -0400

The Cold War Victory Medal is also a civilian medal which may be privately purchased but is not distributed by the United States government. As such, the decoration is not presently authorized for wear on active duty military uniforms. ... It has also been officially adopted by the American Cold War Veterans organization.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 6 at 2020 11:03 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 06 May 2020 11:03:47 -0400

There is no Cold War medal/ribbon. We did receive a certificate from Clinton though.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made May 7 at 2020 9:40 AM

1SG Charles Hunter — Thu, 07 May 2020 09:40:46 -0400

To clarify some of the earlier responses, there is no OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED Cold War ribbon. You can find the Cold War Victory Medal on Medals of America if you want to pad your post-service ribbon rack. It is not authorized for wear by any military service, but if your American Legion color guard wears ribbons, you can put it on there.

Response by SPC Gary C. made Jul 24 at 2022 9:12 AM

SPC Gary C. — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 09:12:56 -0400

IIRC there are a couple states that have a ribbon for their National Guard, but they are only a state award. By what I have been told when those units go on active duty they have to take the ribbon off. I have seen a commemorative medal on Medals of America.