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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?
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Cold War
Cold War
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 210
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There is a Cold War Medal, but it is an unofficial award. It should be an official military award to be given to all services to those who meet the criteria of being awarded. But, unfortunately, it probably won't happen for one reason or another.
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I enlisted in 92. Since Desert Shield/Storm was going on, I graduated boot with National Defense Medal. I think there should be. A medal issued for all of the people that served in the Cold War. An Army buddy of mine spent 1/2 his enlistment in Germany & other have in Middle East. Obvious medals for Middle East but nothing for being in harms way in Germany. With all the "Police Actions" the US is involved in, at least give the grunts more pretty ribbons. I'm proud of mine but they don't really mean much outside the military.
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I have no opinion, I do not respect the wearing of medals short of combat earned. I have no combat. so therefore no respect for the ribbons on my chest.
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no, we have too many participation ribbons now. PVTS. getting out of basic training have more ribbons than some ww2 best.
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So. You want a participation trophy for serving during a time when nothing really happened?
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But what would be the award criteria? Everyone who served during the Cold War regardless of duty location or only those who served in Europe / Germany or who played tag with the Russian Air Force and Navy?
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I grew up in Germany during and after the Cold War. We were stationed with Pershing II units. These guys were almost on constant alert, spys, terrorism, shootings, kidnappings, murder, that was reality. These guys were consummate professionals. Always sharp, always alert and ready. The professionalism, cohesion and phenominal team work greatly contributed to the "Evil Empire" never puffing up too much. Cold war soldiers reunified Germany, broke the Soviet Union's hold on the Eastern Block. Guys who served in ETO and PTO after WW2 received "Occupation Medal", why shouldn't Cold War vets get one? They deserve it. Those guys were a cut above and kept those Reds at bay;)
Pin it to'em!
Pin it to'em!
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I served in Vietnam in 1968-69 with an Infantry unit as an RTO. I been shot at, mortored, shelled, and I shot back on numerous times. I was an easy and prime target by the enemy while I was carrying and operating the PRC 25 (prick 25) radio. I was not an 11B but an 05B. This disqualified me for the CIB. I came back home only with the NDSM, Vietnam service medal, Vietnam campaign medal, and Army Commendation Medal with V. That was it. Not receiving the CIB was disappointing. I know it was for only 11B's, but I was in the middle with them. That being said, I don't take any value in my "medals" and they don't mean nothing to me.
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Here's your fucking commendation: For steadfast loyalty, and gallantry during a period of political and international tension the likes of which the world has never seen the intergalactic coalition of homosapien superiority hereby awards [insert name] the Super Nifty You're Awesome Medal of Living in the Past.
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