Were deployments to El Salvador documented in Military service records from 1981-1992?

2017-02-20T13:22:23-05:00

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Feb 20 at 2017 1:25 PM

2017-02-20T13:25:02-05:00

https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1996/05/06/public-honors-for-secret-combat/f764f45e-1b75-4e8c-8c32-94844434d5e0/?utm_term=.df910ca7ec4f

PUBLIC HONORS FOR SECRET COMBAT

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2017 1:37 PM

2017-02-20T13:37:45-05:00

Yes. In some cases CIBs and decorations for valor were awarded as well, but years later.

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Feb 20 at 2017 1:44 PM

2017-02-20T13:44:52-05:00

A few more details, and why I asked this question. The US claimed the military members were advisers only. It was not until 1996, that the Gov't finally admitted it was a combat zone. Since 1996, veterans are entitled to the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat patches, Oversea Service Bars, and can be recommended for Valor Medals. But prior to that, and during the war, service members would not receive any recognition of combat service in that area.

So I'm just wondering if Advisory or any other service was at least recorded on military record briefs during that time. If not, it opens the way for "Stolen Valor". I've talked to veterans who claim they did "Secret-squirrel, Ranger-danger, Army-Seal, Ninja-Operations" in El Salvador, but their record is sealed. They do not even have it listed on their record brief. I find that odd, because I would think they would at least be recorded as an Adviser.

Thanks for enlightening us, and if you did serve in El Salvador during that time..... "Thanks you for your service..... and welcome home!"

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 20 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-02-20T16:34:40-05:00

many folks in 7th and 5 SF Groups were credited with Combat Tours and CIBs and other Combat relate awards... and some with Multiple tours...

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Apr 11 at 2017 4:04 PM

2017-04-11T16:04:21-04:00

Thanks for everyone's help in this. Great info and educational for myself. I served during the El Salvador time-frame, and met many vets that were honest about their service, but like I said, so many can use another's ignorance of the classification of this conflict to their "Stolen Valor" advantage.