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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
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I'm all for it. A lot of vets from that era serving on submarines, recon aircraft and Third World hot spots should be recognized. The medal was actually designed and struck, then for some reason the Pentagon decided not to issue it
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No! There are far too many "participation" awards. Awards for individuals and units should be for more than "showing up". I also am opposed to the end of tour awards that seem to go to every senior SNCO and Captain (O-3) and above, who manages no to get relieved for cause.
The oversized "fruit salad" dilutes the recognition that should go to those that go well beyond showing up.
The oversized "fruit salad" dilutes the recognition that should go to those that go well beyond showing up.
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Yes its on every can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer you consume. This way you don't lose those squeeze retainers or dammits
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SFC Jim Ruether
I figured the fact that the Russians, Chinese, Koreans, Africans, Phillipinos, and other assorted Middle Eastern countries didn't declare war on the USA while I served is testament to the fear they felt knowing I was serving my country and that a serious can of whoop ass could descend on them at any moment was the deterrent. Oh and Chuck Norris was my backup that helped too!
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There is a cold War commemorative Medal available by Commercial outlets. It is of course NOT authorized for wear on a Military uniform. What is official as You mentioned is the certificate which has no medal to go with it. I do have the certificate.
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They sent me one of these, but I would have preferred a medal. I not have room in my office to displace another framed document. LOL
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SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
Thank you for your service, Shotgun. I never got one of these. Glad you did. Blessings.
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SFC Jim Ruether
The Non-Deployment Ribbon is an empty spot on my ribbon rack and I hate explaining it all the time so I am closing that spot up.
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I didn't know that a piece of paper had been authorized. I served in what was West Germany. I was a medic assigned to an ADA battalion. The Cold War was pretty intense. '81--'84
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Recognition is best, not just a pat on the back or a "General" type ribbon or medal, i.e. NDSM. Every Boot gets a NDSM in basic training and I personally think it's more than "being in the club", it's an act Most people wouldn't consider doing because "let someone else do it". Shame on them and the politicians really should view us Vets in a different light and appreciate what we have sacrificed of our own lives. RESPECT!
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