109
109
0
Ok, I know there are a number of discussions about the proliferation of awards but I have a slightly different question.
What is your opinion on the "Cold War Medal"?
Those of us that served between wars from 1945 through 1991 did not receive any recognition for keeping the Nuclear Peace. Over the years, bills have been introduced in five separate Congress' for the authorization of a Cold War Victory Medal or Cold War Service Medal. To date bills have successfully passed both houses but get stripped out in committee. All medal bills have been vehemently opposed by the U.S. Department of Defense. On February 17, 2011, Senator Olympia Snowe (ME) and on May 24, 2011, Representative Steve Israel (NY-2) reintroduced legislation in the Senate and House, respectively, that the Secretary of Defense concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War Service Medal', to Cold War veterans who meet the criteria.
If the concern is cost of distribution of the Medal, I, for one, would be willing to obtain my own. I just feel that there needs to be more recognition than the cheesy piece of paper that has been authorized. What say you?
What is your opinion on the "Cold War Medal"?
Those of us that served between wars from 1945 through 1991 did not receive any recognition for keeping the Nuclear Peace. Over the years, bills have been introduced in five separate Congress' for the authorization of a Cold War Victory Medal or Cold War Service Medal. To date bills have successfully passed both houses but get stripped out in committee. All medal bills have been vehemently opposed by the U.S. Department of Defense. On February 17, 2011, Senator Olympia Snowe (ME) and on May 24, 2011, Representative Steve Israel (NY-2) reintroduced legislation in the Senate and House, respectively, that the Secretary of Defense concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War Service Medal', to Cold War veterans who meet the criteria.
If the concern is cost of distribution of the Medal, I, for one, would be willing to obtain my own. I just feel that there needs to be more recognition than the cheesy piece of paper that has been authorized. What say you?
Posted in these groups: 
Cold War
Cold War
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 210
4
4
0
This is in the same vein as giving a T-Ball team that finished in 6th place a trophy for being there...its silly. If you served during that time (as I did) you received plenty of recognition for your service. Another piece of flair is pointless.
(4)
(0)
PO3 Donald Murphy
MSgt Billy McDonough - My point is that I was in the Cold War in the 80's and received nothing. Yet - I was attached to the Atlantic Fleet when we bombed Libya, sank Iranian ships, attacked Iranian oil rigs, etc. Yet there is no medal. Were you to have been wounded, there would have been a Purple Heart, but other than that there is nothing. The NDSM covers a handful of periods from 1947 - 1990 only. Cuban Missile crisis, etc. So if the USAF gave you plenty of recognition then thats great. For what its worth, my USAF dad didn't get anything other than the overseas ribbon for being stationed in Europe several times. He retired same rank as you.
(1)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
We came in 1st, not 6th. 2nd Place Russians are the ones with all the 'flair', including Cold War recognition.
(1)
(0)
SSG Bill Pemberton
I've said it before.Ive seen soldiers get medals for the dumbest shit like firing perfect in a range or doing a good job at their supply job,so I say yes,why not give a medal.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
As far as I can tell from doing some quick research on the medal, it looks like it was never officially made a medal for U.S. Forces. There was a lot of talk about making an official medal to cover those who served during the Cold War, but there was never any follow-through.<div><br></div><div>It also looks like Louisiana and Texas National Guards did get awarded a Cold War Medal, and Alaska got a ribbon, but it also seems like the National Guard Bureau does not recognize these awards as a official awards.</div><div><br></div><div>Bottom line, is it sounds like the ball got dropped in authorizing an official Cold War Medal.</div>
(4)
(0)
SSG Shawn Ireland
Yet they still wear them on their uniforms! How can National Guard and The Reserve Units be given priority of the issuing of the Cold War Service Medal and or Ribbon prior to The Active U.S. ARMY,NAVY,MARINE CORPS,AIR FORCE,COAST GUARD. I have never in all my years seen these civilian services be given priority over the Active Military. I don't mean any disrespect by this question but I have never seen our Military work in such a way. Yes these branches did get called up for active service during the mess in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, but this is a whole different ballgame that we are talking about. This of course is me thoughts of this crazy mess. U.S. ARMY DISABLED VETERAN, SSG IRELAND. 1978-1985, HONORABLY DISCHARGED MEDICALLY. In line of duty overseas. By the way the Army nor the VA would fix my need of a hip replacement of which my Army Orthopedic Surgeon said I needed, but didn't want to do, even had a bone fragment in the hip socket which they made me walk on to crush. Was told by my Surgeon that I would be in terrible pain as I got older. Thirty years later, I had my own personal medical insurance replace my hip which cost me $20.00. Due to my limp from my bad hip, while doing the CAT SCAN, I was informed that my right hip needed to be replaced as well from overuse from having to walk on it for 30 years. Don't expect much, when you accept this everything else is easy.
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
I look at it this way.If someone can get an award for doing a good job like firing a perfect score on a range,getting an AAM or ARCOM for doing a good job,Why can't we get an award for doing a good job for Gaurding the border during the Cold War?I seen people getting medals for the dumbest shit like just serving in their unit for a year or two.People getting Army acheivment medals just for serving and moving on to another unit.So why not a Cold War medal?
(3)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
The current arguement sounds a lot like "we are completely over-awarded today, so we shouldn't recognize previous deserving service fpr those that were habitually under-awarded."
(2)
(0)
3
3
0
I was deployed on the front lines of the Cold War with a Pershing Missile unit. I 'be read some posts that stated all of our alerts were just practice. As one soldier who took part in innumerable alerts while on status I can state unequivocally that we treated those alerts as much more than training missions. Some took place when tensions arose around the world. Some were training exercises some were true alerts. No one knew until we were told to stand down. In the end we won the Cold War. It was a hard won victory. Approve the medal.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
3
3
0
I'm a cold war veteran. I think the National Defense Service Medal and Air Force Combat Readiness Medal represent my service well. Most of the SM serving during Cold War (1945-1991) are separated or retired. Presents an unnecessary administrative burden on the Services. Also, what the heck am I going to do with one more medal for a uniform I don't wear any more?
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
yes I think there should be a Cold War service metal because I was in from 1980 to 2010 but never got any recognition for serving during the Cold War so yes I think there should be a metal.
(3)
(0)
Suspended Profile
I thought I had already responded to this question, but I guess not. Yes, I support the Cold War "Victory" Medal. It actually already exists, in the form that the Alaska, Texas and Louisiana National Guards have it - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War_Victory_Medal.
Since it is already in use, thus already designed and coined, it would cost the government essentially nothing to authorize it for people who served during the "Victory" period.
Note that a "Victory" medal has a different meaning than a "Service" medal. Service means you served at any time during the conflict. Victory means you served during the time of the Victory, which is a much more limited scope. However, as defined for this medal, it really is a Service Medal, since it covers the entire time from the end of WWII to the beginning of Desert Storm...
Since it is already in use, thus already designed and coined, it would cost the government essentially nothing to authorize it for people who served during the "Victory" period.
Note that a "Victory" medal has a different meaning than a "Service" medal. Service means you served at any time during the conflict. Victory means you served during the time of the Victory, which is a much more limited scope. However, as defined for this medal, it really is a Service Medal, since it covers the entire time from the end of WWII to the beginning of Desert Storm...
Cold War Victory Medal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cold War Victory Medal is both an official medal of the National Guard and an unofficial military medal of the United States. It is awarded by the States of Louisiana and Texas, and in ribbon form only by the State of Alaska.[citation needed] In the medal's unofficial capacity it can be purchased, but not worn in uniform. It may be worn by any member of the United States military, or civilian employees of the federal government, who served...
3
3
0
I served from1981 to 1985 which would fall into the "cold war" years. By definition a cold war is not a hot war (where bullets are flying). After we depart Afghanistan are we going to need to create a service medal for this period of time? Perhaps the "post GWOT before next conflict" medal?
There were smaller conflicts during the cold war years, Grenada, Beirut etc. but I believe those have specific awards. There is no doubt that the number of service members that died each year were as high then as they were during actual conflict years (from 2001 +).
The military awards too many medals today, period. Look at a WWII Marine that made the three required landings+ in the Pacific (as an example). They might have left service with 4-6 medals depending on being wounded or receiving personal valor awards etc.
For example, Robert Leckie (who was portrayed in The Pacific) participated in 5 campaigns and ended up with two rows of ribbons. Today he would have 7-8 rows after the combat he experienced. That is no swipe and anyone's service just the awards system. Sometime, less is more. Leckie's awards are listed below.
Purple Heart Navy
Marine Corps Commendation Ribbon w/ Combat V
Presidential Unit Citation / 1 star
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with w/ 5 campaign stars
World War II Victory Medal
We should pass on the Cold War Medal.
There were smaller conflicts during the cold war years, Grenada, Beirut etc. but I believe those have specific awards. There is no doubt that the number of service members that died each year were as high then as they were during actual conflict years (from 2001 +).
The military awards too many medals today, period. Look at a WWII Marine that made the three required landings+ in the Pacific (as an example). They might have left service with 4-6 medals depending on being wounded or receiving personal valor awards etc.
For example, Robert Leckie (who was portrayed in The Pacific) participated in 5 campaigns and ended up with two rows of ribbons. Today he would have 7-8 rows after the combat he experienced. That is no swipe and anyone's service just the awards system. Sometime, less is more. Leckie's awards are listed below.
Purple Heart Navy
Marine Corps Commendation Ribbon w/ Combat V
Presidential Unit Citation / 1 star
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with w/ 5 campaign stars
World War II Victory Medal
We should pass on the Cold War Medal.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
I read the answers and it is an interesting question. A Cold War Medal.. humm? If serious consideration was given to creating such a medal, specific units would have to be specified. Just because you served during the time of the Cold War should not automatically make you eligible. When we think of the Cold War what units would be included? I think it is like the occupation medals . . . it only applied to someone who was actually in certain places/areas. Personnel who served stateside did not receive the award. I served during this time but I was on the "hot" end in Vietnam. I got my standard medals for serving in that area of operations and do not feel that it qualifies me for the "cold war". On the other hand, between 1975-1978 I served in Germany. Does that automatically make me a Cold War Warrior? I am sure that those units that guarded the borders, especially those in Berlin and the Fulda Gap area do qualify. I served with the Defense Communications Agency - Europe. We supported US communications, but does that automatically mean I should get the medal? I am not so sure. Then you have other areas...What about the Marines and Sailors that served at Gitmo during the Cold War? Especially those that were there during the Missile Crisis. Do military personnel who served on embassy duty get the medal? I am sure that most of the military in Korea rate getting the medal if it were created. What about units in Japan who support units in Korea? What about Okinawa? I disagree, at this time, with those that feel that a medal should be given to Vietnam vets. We already received our medals for that war.
I do feel that a medal for the Cold War should be awarded, but I am not so sure who should qualify. I do not think everyone who served should automatically get it. I do not think that if you have been previously awarded, such as serving in Vietnam alone, you should get it. Personnel who served in Vietnam and, later or even before, served with a recognized unit, you should get it, like people who served during different times the NDSM was issued. Then the question becomes...do you rate a star when you serve in another theater of operations? What if you were like me...I served in the Asian and European areas...do I get two different medals or a star to put on my medal? Some have served in many areas that might qualify. May I point out that after WWII there were different medals for the Occupation of Japan and the Occupation of Europe. Should that format be followed here?
I do believe a medal should be issued. All hell could have broken out at any minute and that service should be recognized. Hell, I would settle for a ribbon or a specially designed Meritorious Unit Citation for that matter.
I do feel that a medal for the Cold War should be awarded, but I am not so sure who should qualify. I do not think everyone who served should automatically get it. I do not think that if you have been previously awarded, such as serving in Vietnam alone, you should get it. Personnel who served in Vietnam and, later or even before, served with a recognized unit, you should get it, like people who served during different times the NDSM was issued. Then the question becomes...do you rate a star when you serve in another theater of operations? What if you were like me...I served in the Asian and European areas...do I get two different medals or a star to put on my medal? Some have served in many areas that might qualify. May I point out that after WWII there were different medals for the Occupation of Japan and the Occupation of Europe. Should that format be followed here?
I do believe a medal should be issued. All hell could have broken out at any minute and that service should be recognized. Hell, I would settle for a ribbon or a specially designed Meritorious Unit Citation for that matter.
(3)
(0)
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
"Just because you served during the time of the Cold War should not automatically make you eligible." --- WHY NOT? Don't people who are serving now automatically get the Global War on Terrorism medal (along with the National Defense Service Medal)?
(3)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google