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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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Decidedly yes! We faced fear-not like combat Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors do-but nevertheless we faced fear.
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Suspended Profile
SPC Margaret Higgins This medal actually already exists. LA and AK already authorize it for their Guard folks. SO authorizing it for the rest of us is a simple piece of no-cost legislation...
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Of course! We were constantly on alert and training for the event that we might find ourselves in a conflict with USSR.
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This would of made a great survey question: I for one have seen some ridiculous medals, but I do think a Cold War Period Medal is more than appropriate.
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SP5 Rick LaJiness
I served 1973-74 on a Nike Hercules base in Germany...russians had "Legal" spies driving around taking pics of installations and convoys and all we could do was inform MI,..we were not allowed to detain them...I carried a Top secret clearance due to "Special Weapons"...and yes there were real threats of being kidnapped,..so yes,..I feel that a ribbon is justified.
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SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
I served as a Nike Hercules Missile Tracking Radar Operator, in Pirmasens, Germany, from 62 to 65. Always on alert, prepared. We were told to not to travel alone, due to our top secret clearance, and threats of kidnappings also. Always carried my .45.
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We have too many medals as it is. I'm eligible, but I really don't want one. I drank a lot of beer in Germany. That doesn't deserve a medal. Some say the wars fighting communist since world war 2 have been battles in the cold war. Those already have medals recognizing those that served.
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CPT Jim Schwebach
Drinking beer in Germany might not seem to merit a service medal but that doesn't mean that those who alerted to the Fulda Gap or patrolled along the fence don't. I had a brother in RVN who ran an NCO club in Saigon while I was a rifle platoon leader in II Corps. We both came home with the same Vietnam Service Medal. I don't begrudge him his and he doesn't begrudge me mine. We both did our part, I just got thirstier.
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I say yes,because they are those who served and were killed during this time period which deserve recognition.If it wasn't for those who served during this time period USA may not be what it is today.
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I don't need a medal, a certificate or recognition, however it would be nice to at least have my time in service thought of in a positive way. I recall being spit at, harassed in airports and eventually told not to wear uniforms off post to prevent civilian confrontations. My son who now serves finds it hard to understand why I don't talk about my time in service, perhaps something positive would help others I served with to feel it was appreciated. One of the most powerful speeches in my lifetime "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall" It came down shortly after I left Germany and while we did not have "battles" going on I feel we helped unite Germany and see families reunited. <br><br><br><br>
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Based on what we are seeing today. It may be a bit premature to say we won the Cold War.
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CPT Jim Schwebach
Based on that criteria there should have been neither an EAME Campaign Medal, nor an American Defense Medal because it probably was a bit premature to say we won World War One. After all, it was only 20 years before the same nation, Germany, was back in business invading it's neighbors and generally spreading hate and discontent wherever they could. Oh, wait, that was a different Germany; unlike the current Russia it no longer had the same type of government, the same borders or the same name for that matter..
Nope, that was nothing like the current situation at all, this time it's just an extension of Cold War I.
Nope, that was nothing like the current situation at all, this time it's just an extension of Cold War I.
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PO1 John Miller
There has been talk about a Cold War medal for years. I remember talk about it in the late 90's/early 2000's. I honestly don't see one ever coming out.
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Sgt Spencer Sikder
Medal, nah. Having the title United States Marine is enough. Seriously, there are other awards that were available during the period that if earned could be worn. Thanks for the thought anyway.
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