Should we be awarded the Afghan Freedom Medal?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:23:58 -0400

I stumbled upon the Afghan Freedom Medal that was approved by Afghanistan to present to foreign Soldiers who helped them. The US never accepted it and therefore we are not authorized to be awarded it or wear it. What are your thoughts? Should we have accepted it? Should we now?

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 6:55 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:55:02 -0400

Sir, I would need more information why this was not adopted by the US. I could maybe see potential political fires being started wearing another country's medals but if that is not the case, I wouldn't see why this should be barred.<br>

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 7:07 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 19:07:19 -0400

Medals like that have been approved in the past but I really don't care about medals and stuff, I just wear what I rate.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 8:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 20:23:25 -0400

From what the rumors I hear is that we did not accept it as we were not asked to liberate the country as we were in other cases (Kuwait and Saudi Arabia) that gave us medals. Not sure if that is the real reason or not.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 18 at 2014 8:25 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 20:25:05 -0400

I still want to know what happened to that medal that Iraq awarded us all, the Secretary of Defense received in person in a ceremony, and then we never heard anything about ever again...

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Apr 18 at 2014 8:32 PM

SFC Lamont Womack — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 20:32:52 -0400

Sir, I think we should wear the award. However, I would make it a unit citation like the Republic of Korea Presidential unit citation or the Philippine Republic Presidential unit citation. 

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2014 10:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 22:32:00 -0400

Sir,

I wouldn't wear a foreign decoration unless required to. If we take part in a conflict that warrants a medal, the U.S. will issue it to us. Plus, foreign decorations are no longer authorized to be entered on our ERB/ORB, so wearing one feels wrong.

Therefore, my vote is no, we should not accept it.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 18 at 2014 11:11 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 23:11:52 -0400

That conjures up the thought about the NDSM.  I see my daughter is in the USCG and is authorized to wear it.  THE USCG is now under DHS and not likely to see military action.<div><br></div><div>I served during the Cold War period after Viet Nam.  <span style="color: rgb(55, 64, 78); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12 [login to see] 91406px; line-height: 18px;">We had enough threats during the time I was in. We were put on alert when N. Korea killed 3 American officers, had alert to Russian subs off the coast of California that were found monitoring my unit's work.  There was Libya, Grenada, Panama. Not to mention the Iron Curtain and threat of MAD.</span><br style="color: rgb(55, 64, 78); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12 [login to see] 91406px; line-height: 18px;"><br style="color: rgb(55, 64, 78); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12 [login to see] 91406px; line-height: 18px;"><font color="#37404e" face="lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12 [login to see] 91406px; line-height: 18px;">I helped develop the equipment and weapons that carried us through today's conflicts.  But there is no recognition for our service.  Check this out.</span></font><br><font color="#37404e" face="lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;">http://vimeo.com/90408471</span></font></div><div><font color="#37404e" face="lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br></span></font><div><font color="#37404e" face="lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Any support for this?  How about the idea of authorizing the NDSM for all serving?  We serve for the defense of our country, do we not?</span></font></div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://i.vimeocdn.com/video/469538402_1280.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://vimeo.com/90408471">Cold War Victory Medal | PSA</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Standing fierce in the face of an overwhelming enemy, these Veterans answered the call -- drafted or volunteered -- as America needed its guardians of freedom, and…</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Apr 19 at 2014 1:22 AM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 01:22:30 -0400

<p>I'm sure this thread is for SM's only, thought I put in an image to give an idea of this Medal in question.</p><p>I will now go to my corner sit down and stay quite.</p>

Response by SGT David Dodge made Apr 19 at 2014 5:01 AM

SGT David Dodge — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 05:01:02 -0400

It should be up to the awarding government to decide who it gets to decorate. Anything else is politics.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 9:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 09:16:21 -0400

I say yes! I was aware of the Iraq medal, but not the Afghan medal. Our brothers in arms were all awarded medals from those countries in Desert Storm/Vietnam/Korea......Why not the current crop of veterans?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 9:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 09:47:50 -0400

I think we got enough medals.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 19 at 2014 10:16 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 10:16:37 -0400

It appears the medal was only issued 40 times and the US and Afghan governments decided that further award of the medal would be highly embarrassing and unstable to the regime.

US - AUSTRALIAN -COALITION TERRORISM AFGHAN FREEDOM MEDAL

We are Perth's biggest military antiques store, offering over two thousand items of militaria for sale.

Response by MSG John Ada made Apr 20 at 2014 11:41 AM

MSG John Ada — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 11:41:42 -0400

"Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Now that I have gotten that out of my system - I apologize for the poor sarcasm and I know it is a medal not a badge before I get criticized for terminology.

If the U.S. didn't accept the Afghan Freedom Medal on behalf of the military men and women that is a shame. I look at it as the Afghani government recognizing the sacrifice by the military on behalf of their nation. Accept the award and figure out how to get it in the hands of the military members that participated in OEF.

The Iraqi Freedom Medal has been awarded and accepted what is the issue. Most likely comes down to dollars unfortunately. This is not a justified reason for not getting the medal in the hands of the military members that sacrificed a lot during any one of the Iraq war phases.

Response by SFC Daniel McFarland made Apr 21 at 2014 4:34 PM

SFC Daniel McFarland — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 16:34:22 -0400

Yes we should there are other conflicts where the Foreign countries award medals to American servicemen for there help. I agree with several of the other comments about you have to be a certain rank to be awarded a medal. That is incorrect. What I have seen is when you are real buddies with the command you will get a higher award. And I have seen officers and higher ranking NCO's who never left the wire get the BSM and higher. My thought was for what answering the radio or manning your computer.

Response by SSG Ken Fischer made Apr 21 at 2014 4:37 PM

SSG Ken Fischer — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 16:37:36 -0400

Accept yes. Wear no. We already have a campaign medal. Same with NATO medal for Afghanistan, accept but not wear.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 3:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:21:23 -0400

Sir,

We already have the NATO, GWOTE, and AGCM along with whatever awards are cited to the unit as a whole and what is earned through deployment do you really want another ribbon to rebuild another rack of awards..? At this point I say No I dont want to add another useless ribbon to my rack so someone high up may feel impressed to have it. Long time ago there were ribbon hunters, no need to as this war on terror dwindles down.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Apr 22 at 2014 3:50 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:50:09 -0400

It took over 50 years for the US to approve wear of the Korean war service medal from Korea. It was originally issued in the 50's but the US did not accept it at the time due to regulations. I am betting the same is being done here. But I am guessing that the Afgan government has not given the proposal to the DOD. Instead they are offering it up to everyone as a whole. That is what I am getting since the ROK medal was the same way according to what I have read. But it should be along with Iraq's.

Response by COL Robert White made Apr 27 at 2014 2:06 AM

COL Robert White — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:06:12 -0400

If you served in combat, I feel you should be awarded a medal from the nation that you fought for. I cherish my foreign awards.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 3:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:25:26 -0400

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/reconsideration-acceptance-afghanistan-liberation-medal-all-us-service-members-served-afghanistan/hF5j379v

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2014 3:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:26:53 -0400

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/reconsideration-acceptance-afghanistan-liberation-medal-all-us-service-members-served-afghanistan/hF5j379v

Reconsideration of acceptance of the Afghanistan Liberation Medal for all US service members that...

The Afghanistan government designed and issued a medal to be given to US service members as a token of gratitude for all that have served there over the past 13 years. The US Military decided not to accept the medal. As the longest US conflict in history, this is a wonderful token of appreciation from the Afghani government and I would ask that you reconsider authorizing acceptance for all who have served in Afghanistan.

Response by PO1 John Elliss made Oct 31 at 2014 11:06 AM

PO1 John Elliss — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:06:25 -0400

I think we , The United States, should have accepted this. I see this turning into an issue similar to the Korean Medal. Only after waiting decades, was the medal accepted and authorized. By then many of the service members were dead. Service members should be awarded with the medals they earned when they earn them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 2:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 02:05:00 -0400

I'd wear it. Hopefully it would be worth some promotion points as well. Gotta get my military bling on while I am young(ish).

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Nov 1 at 2014 8:34 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 08:34:51 -0400

WAYYYY Back in the dark ages of Desert Storm, we were awarded medals by Kuwait... and you know, I'm still not sure if we were allowed to wear them, because I got mine straight from the hand of the Kuwaiti Ambassador who seemed to be all sorts of places at the time.
Lots of people were going thru some horrible times... the reserves were called up, their pay didn't kick in and their families were in dire strates, and suddenly here come the Kuwaitis with trucks full of food and every other word was "Thank You"
I never saw anyone actually wear one of those medals, but I can't be the only one who got one, they were passing them out everywhere the Miltary went, and each was handed over with a very heartfelt thanks, but you know, considering the country, the blue on green crimes, I'm not sure I'd even want to wear one.... so many bad memories.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Nov 1 at 2014 9:52 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 09:52:40 -0400

While not so unusual to be appreciated by other countries (some, not all) so much that they would give you a medal, I think it would be unbecoming of us not to accept the said medal. However, I do think it looks better in a case than on any of our uniforms. The rest is just politics.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jan 10 at 2015 11:01 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 23:01:21 -0500

This would be like the Saudi and Kuwaiti Kuwait Liberation Medals, except for one thing... Afghanistan is NOT FREE

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 12:05 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:05:50 -0500

Yes, we as the US have this habit of snubbing our allies by not excepting their awards. Funny thing is the Afghan Freedom Medal says "FREEDOM MEDAL" in english, so who do you thing it is for. Most of the medals were created to give to Americans. NATO/OTAN if you know the second offical language of NATO is french hence "OTAN". Yet I do not see french, spanish, italian nor german on the medal.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 12:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:23:19 -0500

Don't we have enough damn awards?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 16 at 2015 9:13 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 21:13:50 -0500

I say again: Is Afghanistan "FREE" at this time? How do you define that word?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 3:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 15:26:56 -0500

Reminds me of the awards given by Kuwait in 1991.
If I remember correctly, there were debates then as well about authorization and priority.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 7 at 2015 1:30 PM

COL Ted Mc — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 13:30:16 -0500

Would it rank before or after the USAF "I graduated from Basic Training" medal?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 5:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:27:06 -0500

I have enough medals for being there..... I mean though it is nice that the Afghans want to show their thanks... And I do believe if they offered we should accept, but on the other hand I wouldn't push for it just to put another ribbon on my rack...

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 7 at 2015 5:44 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 17:44:00 -0500

It makes me wonder how Korean and Viet-Nam Veterans feel when they see a SP4 with 5 rows, I mean we have so many medals and ribbons now, the Higher ups have resorted to only wearing the highest 2 rows.

What is the difference? Did the command learn that soldiers in war need something to feel like it was worth it, or do we need to show what ad who we are through medals this day and age of "me" and "mine"?

The Cold war was a time where I felt most useful and needed and it felt like a very important mission with a clear objective. I served in Iraq, got the medals: the Bronze Star and an Arcom and all the campaign starts and such BUT if the Cold War Medal was authorized, I woudl have to say that would be the most meaningful of all Medals, even over the Bronze Star.

In the end I guess we are trading medals for time and the Leaders know we all love them, I just think it should be possible to recognize one of the largest Armed Forces in American History; The cold War Military and the Viet-Nam Veteran...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 10:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 22:26:21 -0500

Let me get this straight. Prior to the recent ending of the official NATO mission soldiers deployed to Afghanistan could expect to receive two medals (ACM, NATO) and a ribbon (OSR) and you want to add a fourth piece of flair to the list? You must really want to express yourself!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 10 at 2015 4:45 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:45:02 -0500

They allowed the one from Kuwait. I don't know why they wouldn't.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 10 at 2015 6:10 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 18:10:12 -0500

Just a thought...do you think that the country that had it made to present to the foreign SMs would feel slighted if it wasn't adapted by the foreign countries? If I were a foreign country and I had a medal made to honor foreign war fighters that assisted my country and they didn't let their SMs wear it, I might feel a bit slighted.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 10 at 2015 8:29 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 20:29:00 -0500

Afghanistan is not free.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Feb 12 at 2015 2:29 PM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 14:29:00 -0500

Oddly, I was handed a Kuwaiti medal, by the Ambassador to America himself. I remember thanking him, shaking his hand and feeling a little shocked when I realized he was literaly blinking back tears as he shoved them at us. I remember thinking that this was a bit over the top, because I'd seen the man and his staff doing everything from handing out food to families caught up in the "Persian Excursion." Reservist famlies literaly going hungry because their checks weren't coming... so that Ambassador and his staff bought and handed out food and toys for all the families in need... and then, there he was, handing out thise big honking medals... I mean, have you seen these things? They are enormous!
Once the Iraqis were out of his country, they began cleaning it up, and tossing out the Palestianians, who's helped and cheered for the Iraqi's. The difference in that country, pre-war and post-war, was night and day... but Afghanistan... not so much. Even should I have earned the right to this medal, I don't think I'd choose to wear it, because I feel as if we pushed and fought, and bleed for that country, and Excuse Me for being blunt, but I don't see that they worked half as hard as we did, to help themselves.... and yes, I know, I'm probably wrong....
Now, as to the Afghan Freedom Medal, I agree, that, given the state of the country, it would seem pretty depressing to wear it, given the state of the country even now.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 6:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 18:25:52 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, there is an Iraq one as well. Only one was made, and it was presented to Joe Biden, if memory serves.

The problem with foreign medals is that they are technically supposed to be manufactured by the awarding government. Afghanistan doesn't have any money.

As for my opinion, I don't really think we need a fourth medal to recognize I've been there. One was enough.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Feb 12 at 2015 8:19 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 20:19:10 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Sir I think we should considering all we did for them and they are willing to give it to us. I see no reason why we shouldn't. Again my opinion and I will probably receive flack for it, but yes I think we should be allowed to wear it.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Dec 23 at 2015 3:01 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 15:01:50 -0500

We might want to at least wait until we see if our efforts provide for a free Afghanistan. Looks to be teetering on the edge right now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 6:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 18:56:16 -0500

we already earn a NATO ribbon and campaign stars for the Afghan medal are we Warriors or looking to show who's more alpha male through our dress uniforms? what would we gain that we already have not yet earned by having another medal that represents where we already go?

Response by Capt Eric Mouillefarine made Mar 15 at 2017 8:17 AM

Capt Eric Mouillefarine — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 08:17:10 -0400

yes, it would be sign of the afghan reconnaissance for our participation to stabilize their country

Response by Maj D Sanchez made May 31 at 2017 11:12 AM

Maj D Sanchez — Wed, 31 May 2017 11:12:22 -0400

I think the US should accept the Afghan Freedom Medal offered by GIRoA and authorize it for Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS). In Iraq, after OIF was completed the authorization for the Iraq Campaign medal closed. Now with Operation Inherent Resolve a new medal was authorized for service members to cover this campaign; (the medal is ugly as hell, but they have one to represent service during that operation).

However, at the close of OEF-A in Dec 2014, DOD decided not to authorize a new medal for OFS, but rather just give service members a choice between the GWOTEM or the ACM. That's not the right answer and surely not the same standard.

Furthermore, similar to this situation with the Afghan Freedom Medal for foreign soldiers, after the Gulf War in 1991, Kuwait offered the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal. Although hesitant at first, the US finally accepted the medal as not to seem rude or stuck up. My advise to the DOD would be to humble yourself and accept the Afghan Freedom Medal for those deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel who currently do not have an award that specifically represents this campaign.

Response by Maj D Sanchez made May 31 at 2017 1:02 PM

Maj D Sanchez — Wed, 31 May 2017 13:02:54 -0400

For those who are interested in requesting reconsideration to the approval of the Afghan Freedom Medal, please read, sign and FOWARD (cut and paste) this petition to other sites for maximum exposure:
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/approve-afghan-freedom-campaign-medal-us-service-members-support-operation-freedoms-sentinel

Please note, you may need to register before you sign the petition.

We need 99,999 signatures by June 30, 2017 to get a response from the White House.

Approve the Afghan Freedom Campaign Medal for US service members in support of Operation...

Recently, GIRoA offered tribute to all foreign fighter with the Afghan Freedom Medal. For reasons unknown, the DoD did not accept GIRoA's kind gesture. Instead, DoD decided to continue awarding the Afghan Campaign Medal (ACM) that represents OEF-A from Oct 2001 - Dec 2014 rather than have a new medal representing the start of Operation FREEDOM's SENTINEL (OFS) from Jan 2015 to present.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Jun 1 at 2017 10:06 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:06:11 -0400

Foreign service medals are authorized for acceptance and wear only if said medal is awarded to members of the awarding nation's armed forces. For example, the ROK authorized a Korean Defense Medal(May not be the exact name) for US service members who met the qualifications for what would eventually be the KDSM. A small number were actually presented. BUT some staff wienie figured out that the medal was not awarded to ROK service members and therefore was not authorized for acceptance or wear by US personnel. If the medal in question here is not awarded to Afghan Armed forces the could be the fly in the ointment here.

Or, as in the case of the Cold War Victory Medal(CWVM), it could be political. One of the reasons for resistance to the CWVM was the reluctance to poke the Russians in the eye by declaring that we had actually won the Cold War. Maybe we don't want to insult the Taliban by implying that Afghanistan wasn't free when they controlled the country - or something.

Response by MSgt Jason McClish made Jun 24 at 2017 11:38 PM

MSgt Jason McClish — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 23:38:18 -0400

This is probably more of a political issue than a defense issue. That being typed, you see how far the Iraq Commitment Medal turned out for service members. This could be a similar fate, though both in my opinion, should be accepted by the US government and service members be allowed to wear it on their uniform. I understand that it's customary for the issuing government to manufacture and send them to D.C., etc. Also realize that Iraq and Afghanistan aren't wealthy nations either, unlike say South Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. All four of those have a decent amount of money. Iraq's government does too in a way, but also realize their government is trying to be overthrown by ISIL/ISIS, so this has a very low priority. I'd recommend if money is the sole issue, which seems rather petty, the issuing country can send the US the design or prototype and we can manufacture it. It gives a few Americans jobs in the short term. Politicians though may penalize the issuing country by sending less aid or whatever. I don't agree with that, but could see that being discussed, if approved.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Sep 12 at 2017 9:36 AM

SSG Todd Halverson — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 09:36:11 -0400

I think we should be awarded the medal if you served during OEF and not any follow on operations. Should it be authorized for wear? Sure, they awarded those who served in the Gulf War a couple of foreign awards to wear on their uniform. Do we need it? Of course not. We all know what we did and we already have campaign ribbons and awards that signify what we did. I see these types of awards as participation trophies and rack builders. They sure do make the uniform look pretty.....

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Sep 12 at 2017 2:40 PM

PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:40:19 -0400

I cannot speak about the Afghan Freedom Medal, but there are a number of ribbons and medals that were awarded to American combatants during the Vietnam War, but for whatever reason, we were never allowed to wear them on active duty. While as Ships Company, on the Enterprise, part of my duty gave me a knowledge, that was needed at Da Nang. I and 4 other people were flown off in the C1. After helping in Country, the 5 of us were given the RVN Naval Service Medal Honor Grade. The Navy in their infinite wisdom said we could not wear it. I recently bought a full sized medal off Ebay for $75.00 for my Shadow Box. My original was a bit ratty.

So there are a of of medals that Countries have awarded American Military that the US refuses to allow American GI's to wear. I would be happy if Active Duty could wear the Cold War Victory Medal, at least those who deserve it. I wear it in my miniature medals when I wear full dress, or in Legion uniform and that includes my RVN Naval Service Medal.

Response by AN Eric Braun made Sep 12 at 2017 5:53 PM

AN Eric Braun — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 17:53:38 -0400

Yes, absolutely. The time and sacrifice is being recognized by those whom were beneficiary to our service. It is disrespectful and an insult to not accept it. This is my opinion.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Sep 13 at 2017 9:09 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:09:48 -0400

popcorn award!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2018 11:28 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 11:28:49 -0500

If the Goverment of Afganistan created it and offered it to our service members who served to refuse it would be an insult. We never rejected the national awards from Germany, France, Kuwait, why would we do so to Afghanistan? They need to recognize and authorize it.

Response by SFC Paul Rominiecki made Oct 7 at 2018 10:49 PM

SFC Paul Rominiecki — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 22:49:27 -0400

these medals could end up like the Cold War commitment medal, unofficial and not permanent recording.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 21 at 2018 8:32 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 20:32:35 -0500

Maybe those that are Vets can apply through the Afghan embassy and say they’d like to have it. If Afghanistan awards it privately at least the Vets would have it.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 11:24 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 23:24:28 -0500

My three Viet Nam medals came from the RVN, not the USA. I should think the medal falls into the same category.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Dec 24 at 2018 8:11 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 20:11:30 -0500

The medal is an oxymoron, there is no freedom in Afghanistan.

Response by CPT Kenneth Kaczmarek made Apr 28 at 2019 9:18 AM

CPT Kenneth Kaczmarek — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 09:18:52 -0400

Yes we should. We served and there country wants to reconize us. Let the retiree purchase the medal, but let the US government except it and update our DD214 with the DD215.

Response by PO2 Russell Houston made May 15 at 2019 9:27 PM

PO2 Russell Houston — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:27:53 -0400

They can"t even get the cold war medal past through congress even though every politician got a peace medal or something similar LOL

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Sep 28 at 2019 12:01 AM

SSG Tom Montgomery — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 00:01:42 -0400

If the Afghan government feels it appropriate, give them the courtesy of accepting their token of appreciation.

Response by SGT L Jasso made Apr 23 at 2021 10:42 PM

SGT L Jasso — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:42:38 -0400

Should we? Yes. Will it ever happen? No. They don't have the balls to deal with the "US occupation of Muslim lands" types. Plus Biden is pulling remaining troops & is not a veteran advocate.