How People Voted
 |
 |
79% For, 21% Against
Take Action
  |
Alert Your Friends and Colleagues |
  |
Write Your Representative in Congress |
| Save & Share | |
 |
del.icio.us |
 |
Digg |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Yahoo! |
S. 1097, The Cold War Medal Act of 2007 (163 comments ↓)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
S. 1097 would amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War era.
()
[84 views]
Learn More
RSS Feeds for This Bill
Keep yourself updated on user contributions and debates about this bill! (Learn more about RSS.)
Visitor Comments
Justanothervet
September 23, 2007, 3:05pm (report abuse)The US was anti-medal because it was too European and didn't issue any until 1861 (Washington issued 3 in the revolution) with the medal of honor, then in 1900 they issued the civil war, indian war and spanish-american war medals. There is a difference between medals and ribbon only awards. "I don't want it" is not a reason for someone else to get it. It shows what you did on active duty just like others do. Most will have to apply for it just like the certificate. It is not a perfect world, if a cold war medal is 80% right that's twice as good as people think President Bush is doing. Ego-stroking is not unwarrented -- few served compared to the many defended!
Fall of Saigon Marine
September 24, 2007, 11:57am (report abuse)(Pandering to ego of veterans?) I believe the person who wrote that is a not a veteran and dont have a clue what it is like to defend the freedom of speach for someone that hates the person doing the defending.
Semper Fidelis
DMZ Vet
September 25, 2007, 4:28pm (report abuse)Hey "2 Hot Wars" - you have obviously never been on the DMZ in Korea or else you wouldn't make your uneducated comments. 1 million mines, 7 million NKPA, nerve agent to the loweset weapon system and an average of 20 KIA per year since 1954 (read the language in PL that authorized the KDSM - 1,200 dead since 1954 defending the DMZ). You are probably one of those "Green Zone" or "Saigon" vets that talks big but never pulled a trigger.
2 hot wars
September 29, 2007, 11:18am (report abuse)If you got an NDSM, you got recognized. Perhaps eligibility for the NDSM should open up to the entire cold war period. (Who here thinks we won't be in another "cold" war with someone as soon as the current GWOT is finished up? Did British soldiers get a medal for being ready to fight the French in 1700 or 1800 or 1900?)
When I referred to the few who did get shot at, I was referring to those on the DMZ and those who faced similar risks. Out of the hundreds of thousands and millions who served in the cold war (and served honorably and well), they are a relative few. And as you yourself recognize, DMZ Vet, you have the KDSM.
I am sorry the achievement medals and Overseas Medal were not invented in the seventies (when I entered combat-arms service). Given the existence of other medals such as the NDSM and KDSM, that fact simply does not justify this medal.
2 hot wars
September 29, 2007, 11:20am (report abuse)Regarding this arrogance about who pulled a trigger and who didn't, you are essentially saying that one veteran's service is more worthy than another's -- that there are different classes of veteran.
There are a lot of men and women out there who served their nation well driving a truck, cooking your chow, or ensuring your orders were filled out and processed correctly.
And some of them are buried in Arlington.
CARY - BIG RED ONE
September 29, 2007, 4:52pm (report abuse)thanks to all cold war veterans that served during americas longest war, a cold war medal is long over-due.
terry '66-'69/ '72-'94
September 30, 2007, 6:37am (report abuse)FOR 2 HOT WARS- "YOU" ARE THE "MACHO" IMPLYING THAT YOUR "2 HOT WARS" IS JUSTIFYED IN ALL THE AWARDS AND ARE "MORE WORTHY". IF YOU EARNED ANY AT ALL- GOOD ON YOU. YOU ARE HELD IN HIGH REVERE. FOR THE OTHER COLD WAR VETS- THEY HAD THEIR LIVES INTERRUPTED ALSO, EITHER THRU THE DRAFT OR ENLISTMENT, AND SERVED OUR COUNTRY FAITHFULLY OFTEN TIMES UNDER HARSH CONDITIONS. THEIR SERVICE WAS IMPORTANT IN MEETING COMMITMENTS WORLD WIDE, THUS PREVENTING WW3. AS KIDS IN THE 50'S, WE HID UNDER DESKS AT SCHOOL DURING BOMB DRILLS. PEOPLE WERE BUILDING FALL OUT SHELTERS AND STOCKING THEM. MANY IN THE WEST DIED OR SUSTAINED CANCERS FROM ABOVE GROUND TESTING FALLOUT. IT WAS SERIOUS! THE VETS DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED WITH THIS AWARD. LET THESE GUYS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS HAVE THIS HONOR. DON'T PUT THAT DOWN- YOUR CRITICISM SLANDERS THEM!
Russ 74- present
October 3, 2007, 1:50pm (report abuse)being a member in both air and army I'd say It's been a long time overdue. viet/Iraq 1/Iraq 11 Vet.
Boats 61-66
October 5, 2007, 10:39am (report abuse)Does anyone know the status of the Cold war medal, I understand it passed the house?
Fred Mitchell
October 5, 2007, 10:00pm (report abuse)The COLD WAR medal is long over due.I was 18 yr old when I was station in GERMANY.Four years in Frankfurt a/m.The frauleins kept us up on German news papers.The Russians alway threaten an with intimidation. It was a COLD WAR.
LEE HOUSER
October 14, 2007, 10:18pm (report abuse)REGARDLESS IF YOUR FOR OR AGAINST THE NEWYORK SEN. THE MEDAL IS LONG OVERDUE, AND THOSE OF US WHO SERVED DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME DESERVE SOMTHING FOR PUTTING OUR LIVES ON THE LINE. IF PASSED I WILL WEAR IT PROUDLY...JUST LIKE THE OTHER MEDALS I HAVE EARNED.
USAF 86-Present
October 15, 2007, 3:55pm (report abuse)Yes indeed, the Cold War "Victory" Medal is overdue. Notice I emphasized "Victory"? It is not just a service medal, but is meant to recognize the victory over the Soviet union and their "world domination" philosophy. Like Hooks Forever said- I would buy my own.
USAEUR 1958-1960
October 16, 2007, 2:35am (report abuse)Check out www.americancoldwarvets.org for all the latest on cold war medal.
Good luck to all
injured cold war vet
October 18, 2007, 10:20pm (report abuse)It is way over due. Lives were lost and people have disabilities because of the crazy things we had to do at times. I think most Americans are still not aware of the truly heroic efforts of some people during that time.
air farce vet
October 19, 2007, 10:31am (report abuse)this is a joke, right? if not, will this medal qualify me for vfw membership? the local post has great prime rib.
Navy vet
October 19, 2007, 12:49pm (report abuse)About as meaningless as when they give to twits in boot camp "Defense Service" just because something is going on somewhere else.
Like I need a "thanks for showing up" ribbon. Geez. If there was a "faced the Red Menace with notable risk present" that would be better.
Mark L.
October 19, 2007, 3:52pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill. These veterans served their country when their country called them to defend it. They are long past due this recognition
UnbridledFury
October 19, 2007, 10:16pm (report abuse)I really don't think this is so much about ego as much as it is a tangible recognition that there was a Cold War and there was many that stood in defense of our great nation. Even today, the Cold War is just a footnote in the classroom. This medal needs to be passed and hopefully some more education on what that era was all about. The Cold War affected everyone - from those in the military to school children in the classroom. Remember the drill we had to do if "the bomb" went off? Anyone remember Civil Defense or fallout shelters? The Cold War was a huge part of our lives.
24th ID
October 21, 2007, 6:29pm (report abuse)Yes, a medal is long overdue!!! The Cold War Certificate is worthless, it is not noted on any DD 214, can't get any promotion points for it any enlisted/NCO promotion board, a civilian federal employee without military service can get one. The NDSM has gaps in eligibility, especially from 1974-1991....no veteran in this period was eligible for a NDSM. Just think if the Cold War was still going on, the Middle East situation would be worst than it is now!!!!! People forget or don't remember the 1962 Cuban Crisis.....we may have been minutes away from the start of the end of the world.
Hawaii
October 21, 2007, 7:02pm (report abuse)Yes, I agree Cold War Veterans deserve a medal....the Dept of Defense exagerates on the cost, just authorize the medal, I'm sure veterans would be willing to pay out of their pocket for it. Politicians and Gov't leaders have stated publically the United States "WON" the Cold War....Talk is cheap...give veterans and elgible servicmembers a proper recognition.
Hawaii 5-0
October 21, 2007, 7:18pm (report abuse)A medal is deserving for Cold War veterans...whether it is a Cold War Service Medal or Cold War Victory Medal. I pass by Pearl Harbor everday on my way to/from work, and thank God from time to time that we never had a nuclear Pearl Harbor. Thank you Cold War veterans and servicemembers, active, reservists, Guard, who served overseas or stateside from 1945 thru 1991.....the Cold War Era.
BILL NAVYVET
October 21, 2007, 9:54pm (report abuse)THIS MEDAL IS LONG OVERDUE,THANKS TO ALL VETERANS FOR SERVING THE U.S.
WhatsUP
October 22, 2007, 8:51pm (report abuse)The Cold War Ended in December, 1991.......now almost 16 years later, NO MEDAL yet!!!?????. Congress get your act together and pass a provision for a medal in the final version of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act NOW!
NikeHerc1
October 23, 2007, 9:52am (report abuse)To Nike Herc Chief and Past Nike Vet,
It sure felt like a War to me, we had "Special Warheads" pulled hot battery every month and if another Battery went down we would pull there hot week. Remember the Training videos of the German Terrorist Groups that wanted to do harm to American Military Installation? 24 hour duty every 3rd or 4th day. My favorite part was all the ORE's we had and how I would get to do a simulated emergency destruct. We deserve and earned a Cold War Medal.
VIETNAM VET
October 25, 2007, 8:12am (report abuse)LETS NOT DENY VETS OF COLD WAR OVERSEAS SERVICE THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE AMONG OUR RANKS, ITS TIME TO DO AWAY WITH MY WAR WAS ****** THAN YOURS THINKING, THANKS TO ALL VETS THAT SERVED.
strobelvets
October 26, 2007, 7:20am (report abuse)We persevered and overcame...as best we could...then...the TRIAD held...despite continually increased resistance...in the "visible" wars...my father and friends...endured Korea, VietNam and other wars "plotted by the quartermaster...detected on Sonar".
And let no one forget...those bustin their hump, supplyin support, that others might make it...out there...
Difficult times...with the Enemies pressin from all vantage points..yet we prevailed...because We kept our eyes on the ball...
DUANE 81-87
October 28, 2007, 8:19pm (report abuse)A victory medal for the cold war is long overdue,from my research a victory medal wouldn't cheapen any other award.also many of us would like to get the meal for our deceased relatives who served as well.
DUANE 81-87
October 29, 2007, 1:11pm (report abuse)What i meant was getting a medal,not meal on behalf of our deceased who served.
Berlin 1990-1992
October 30, 2007, 7:30am (report abuse)Having served in Berlin as a young private when the Soviet Union collapsed, I saw first hand what the end of the Cold War meant not only to Americans but Europeans as well. I hope this is authorized. It detracts from nothing. It recognizes the primary mission that millions of Americans in uniform, including my dad, supported for almost 5 decades. This would also likely expand eligibility for many deserving Americans in veterans' organizations that need new members to keep their message of patriotism and veteran advocacy alive and as effective as possible.
Major John Moore
Silver Star, Sadr City, Iraq, April 4, 2004
K,YEN
October 30, 2007, 5:02pm (report abuse)CALLING ALL COLD WAR VETERANS!!!!!
A Cold War Medal is being considered by a joint conference committee in Congress on the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Bill. The House had a measure for a medal in the House's version, the Senate did not.
Please contact memebers of the Senate Armed Service Committee NOW via e-mail, fax or phone call to keep the medal in the final bill.
Letters are too late they are meeting NOW. The Senate members have killed the medal measure for the last 3 years. The medal is long overdue!!!!!!!!!!!
The Voice
October 31, 2007, 4:31pm (report abuse)Yes, K,YEN, I have contacted my Senator who is on the Senate Armed Services Committee and I hope he is on the joint conference committee for the FY 08 National Defense Authorization Act to work out the differences between the House and Senate Version.
I told him (not asked)....he works for me!....via fax....to keep the Cold War Victory Medal in the final Act. The Cold War ended almost 16 years ago......long long overdue!
USN Submariner
October 31, 2007, 4:42pm (report abuse)I have contacted my Senator too. My fellow submariner veterans as well as all Cold War veterans deserve this medal. I have been involved in to many patrols against Soviet subs which the public will never know about.
BILL-RD2
November 2, 2007, 7:26pm (report abuse)I spent 3 years on the eastern atlanitc radar line aboard a Picket shiP working for NORAD,Plus being sent to the blockade of Cuba It was a very scary time.. I would Honar the Medal
CENTURION
November 12, 2007, 12:08am (report abuse)FOR THOSE IN OPPOSITION OF THIS BILL PERHAPS THEY CAN SHARE THIER OPINION WITH THE FAMILY OF THE GUY WHO'S BRAIN MATTER I HAD TO CLEAN OFF OF AN AM106 RADIO BECAUSE THE JEEP THAT HE AND ANOTHER WERE KILLED IN ROLLED OVER ON THE AUTO BAHN. OR THE MOTHER OF THE KID WHO WOULD HAVE BURNED TO DEATH WHEN HIS TANK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE RESPONDING TO A TROUBLE CALL ON THE BORDER. MERCIFULLY THE SABOT ROUND THAT EXPLODED ENDED HIS SUFFERING...YEAH..JUST 2 OF MANY DAYS OF MY UNIMPORTANT, MUNDANE, JUST ANOTHER JOB, TOURS OF DUTY..'NUFF SAID.
david 82D
November 13, 2007, 3:08am (report abuse)ITS ABOUT TIME THANKS TO HILLARY CLINTON FOR THIS START TO LEGISLATION. MANY SOLIDERS LIKE US IN THE 82D WERE THROWN INTO SEVERAL PLACES DURING SO CALLED "training missions", AND OTHER REASONS TO BE AT A PLACE THAT WAS TO SAY A LITTLE BIT HOSTILE,LET ALONE ALL THE TIME WE SPENT ON STAND-BY AS PART OF RDF READY TO GO ON PRESIDENTS WHIM. THERE ARE ALOT OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO DESERVE RECOGNITION FOR DUTY PERFORMED HONORABLEY DURING DATES BEING SET FOR ISSUE OF THE MEDAL, MEANING WELL DESERVED BENIFITS ALSO.
DAVID82ABN
November 13, 2007, 3:37am (report abuse)SO I THINK THE MEDAL IS NOT "NONSENCE", JUDGE 2HOTWARS, RELAX, THEY/WE WERE ALL DOING MORE THAN "JUST A JOB".
dan554vet
November 13, 2007, 10:40am (report abuse)This medal is long over due to cold war vets. we where on duty just like every other vet out there. I was just off coast of Iran for months war could have broke out anytime.Give us are do.
USMC 1980-2004
November 13, 2007, 4:58pm (report abuse)Service and Campaign Medals tell a story about when you were where/when. I received my first decoration after I had been in for seven years. For those who were in when I was, and got out without ever having received a decoration, this medal will properly recognize them for their service. Can't be any worse than the GWOTSM!!!
Carl --21st Replacement Battalion 71-73
November 14, 2007, 10:46pm (report abuse)Cold War veterans were sent by the government to protect and defend. We served with vigilance and honor. I would be proud to wear this medal. I am proud to have been a soldier of this great country.
bblhd_716
November 15, 2007, 11:00am (report abuse)This is well deserved. My time on board the submarine was spent in places that most Americans cannot begin to comprehend. We gathered intelligence by the volumes in order to prepare our defenses.
I currently hold 2 Navy Expeditionary Medals that I hold dear, but they don't tell a story of winning like this medal would.
Art Hamill
November 21, 2007, 9:01am (report abuse)I was a Suez Crisis 'Tincan' sailor (Med Sea '55 - '58). Hard to imagine all that service time and effort and no recognition by the country so many of us served so faithfully.
SAC Warrior
November 23, 2007, 10:17am (report abuse)Its time we get this Passed! Come and join the fight! AMERICANCOLDWARVETS.ORG
Robert E. Durbin
November 29, 2007, 1:28am (report abuse)Navy Vet
If the present Congress thinks the medal will "cost too much" then pass the Bill approving a Ribbon now and a Medal when a new Congress agrees the Nation can afford it. Otherwise, this effort may well fade away as other actions designed to appeal to a voting bloc prior to an election.
UK SSN/SSBN Submariner
November 30, 2007, 5:40am (report abuse)Everywhere I went in the twenty years of the Cold War I met US Serviceman. There were without exception always courteous, humourous and exteremely professional with highest standards. You guys deserve this.
Good bless America.
cstone USAF
December 6, 2007, 11:10am (report abuse)A very good idea. I was one of those in the early 70's providing security for a USAF air base, waiting for the Russians to come through the Fulda gap. A famous British gentelemen whose name I can't recall said "They also serve who only stand and wait."
4P6A
December 7, 2007, 8:12pm (report abuse)Once again DOD prevailed, no medal. It's like we never existed. Happy holidays to all my brothers from the past.
USCG/USMC Vet
December 8, 2007, 10:43am (report abuse)This medal is long overdue. The Cold War was our Nation's longest conflict with many causalities to hostile fire. The fact that we WON this war is worthy of a Victory Medal, as done for WW2.
SAC Warrior
December 11, 2007, 11:55am (report abuse)Yes, S.1097 was stood down.
The good news is, S.1763 is still alive and lives on through next year!
PSY Warrior
December 12, 2007, 11:24pm (report abuse)Long, long overdue. We must fight the good fight until this wrong is righted.
cold war vet '66-'69 '72-'94
December 15, 2007, 5:17pm (report abuse)OK- WHAT'S THE LATEST STATUS TO GET US A COLD WAR MEDAL? WE DESERVE IT. HAVE OUR WONDERFUL ELECTED OFFICIALS DROPPED THE BALL AGAIN? WE SERVED WITH HONOR, PAY TAXES, AND WATCH WITH HORROR AS OUR REPRESENTATIVES IN WASHINGTON DC PLAY GAMES AND GET NOTHING DONE! NOT COOL!
4P6A
December 16, 2007, 2:49am (report abuse)Maybe you won't find this as funny as I did, but here goes
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/LetAllColdWarVetsJoin/SPIZSU
70's Navy Vet
December 21, 2007, 11:05am (report abuse)My father was a Marine, I was a Sailor, my daughter was a soldier, and now my son is a Marine. I am proud of each and every one of them. My daughter was never in Iraq or Afganistan, but has a Global War on Terrorism medal. This is no different. Congress needs to get with it and approve this medal.
70's Navy Vet
December 21, 2007, 11:07am (report abuse)Thanks to UK Sub Sailor.
Myrlen Britt
December 28, 2007, 3:20pm (report abuse)I served at Ayers Kasern from October, 1958 until May, 1960.Including WINTERSHIELD. I responded to my share of alerts, ate my share of WWII surplus c-rations and slept under more snow in a sleeping bag,than I want to remember.
I was in the 46th ARB CCA 3rd Armored Div.
I think a certificate would be nice, I have one on my office wall signed by MG Frederic Brown Div. Commander that I am very proud of.
(Former Sgt. E-5)
VNLT
December 29, 2007, 9:32pm (report abuse)It is regretable it took Hillary to introduce such a bill. I doubt she has ever done anything that wasn't politically motivated. That being said, I think such an official award is entirely appropriate. It is already a fact that military members and some federal civilian employees are eligible for a "Cold War" certificate. They are easy to obtain and all you need do is apply. As to an official medal, if you don't approve and don't care to receive one, just don't apply. As to cost, if that is the big hangup,I would be willing to pay for the medal ($20 or so?). Such should not be necessary, but it beats no issuance of the medal. Yes, there is a difference in vets who experienced hostile action and those who did not. Simple logic dictates such. However, those who never saw combat and served honorably are just as worthy to receive this award.
Boats 61-66
January 2, 2008, 1:19pm (report abuse)In reply to your comment about Hillary, what politician has done anything that wasn't politically motivated.That being said, Kudos to Hillary. At least she had the balls to intoduce the bill.
ken bensinger us army
January 2, 2008, 10:44pm (report abuse)i spent two and a half yrs in the cold war in 1954 to 1957 in germany hindenburg kersane. and would be proud to wear a medal for this, at the time i almost forgot what america looked like after two and a half yrs over there thanks.
Boats 61-66
January 5, 2008, 1:05am (report abuse)I hope you get your medal, I hope this country makes a wrong a right.
wayne retired army
January 8, 2008, 12:29pm (report abuse)yes another medal we can aiways use and for what its worth we didnt lose in nam we left after they sighed a peace treaty and we never enforced it
Boats 61-66
January 9, 2008, 4:12pm (report abuse)Who said we lost the war in Viet Nam?
4P6A
January 10, 2008, 3:48am (report abuse)To SAC Warrior, S1097 is the bill that is still in the Senate not S1763.
SSG Leger
January 30, 2008, 12:22pm (report abuse)It is Sad that the people who served during this period, I am one of those people, I don't ask why , When my counrty calls or expect, or do my missions for medals, but it is nice to look down on my chest and know I was reconized for my Patriotism to my country.
Served in Korea,Cuba, Iraq, Kosovo,and I am proud of the soldier's before me and we need to look out for the soldier's ahead of us,And if all it takes is a piece of cloth and metal to keep America who it is!! then ,, Please Approve this medal.
Myrlen Britt
February 2, 2008, 8:53pm (report abuse)One of my employee's in N. Little Rock lost her young son (last name schaeffer)in the submarime that was lost somewhere near Russia in 1968...All those guys certainly earned a medal.
DMZ
February 8, 2008, 5:00pm (report abuse)Personally, I always felt there are WAY too many medals GIVEN out. Vietnam was one of the most medal happy CONFLICTS ever. Iraq and todays military even beats that. Heck, EVERYONE is getting a CAB today, just for showing up. But the cold war medal, in my opinion, is a most deserving medal. It should have been AWARDED to those that DESERVE it LONG AGO! I, personally, would rather have it than all of the others given to me. It was a TRUE VICTORY! The only war America has won since WWII, in my humble opinion.
Praying Mantis 88
February 17, 2008, 7:07pm (report abuse)If they're balking at paying for the d--n things, I'll definitely pay for mine and 10 others. I would hate to think that a chunk of brass I wanted to brighten up my memories caused a single GWOT vet not to get the medical care he/she needed.
lwc-001
March 13, 2008, 7:40pm (report abuse)To all of you that don't think we should have this medal;don't accept it...But as for myself and the others I served with Patrolling the border in THE FULDA GAP & south of there not to forget the rest of the online duty people WE EARNED OURS with not just service but sometimes our blood..THE 14th acr didn't play games on alerts each one was for real and very few didn't wind up with injuries and a few deaths during the 52 months I served with them..I got fired at more than once by the other and busted a few caps of my own..WE EARNED IT WE DESERVE IT...
3rd Armor Div. 77-81
April 10, 2008, 7:19pm (report abuse)I served from 1977 thru 1981 in Germany. This medal long over due. GI's who served during the cold war era from 1945 thru 1991 are more deserving to receive the cold war medal a long time ago. I proud to be one them.
Ken White Lithia Springs, Ga. 30122
April 15, 2008, 11:01pm (report abuse)"I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness...should I fail. I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained, and hoped...but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what We did. " We were... soldier."
UNKNOWN
I will not beg for what is right. I can only fight for what is right. I can ask no less form by brother and sister veterans or myself.
Kenneth R. White Veteran U.S.Army
Lithia Springs, Ga. 30122 U.S.A.
1961-1964 US Army
April 29, 2008, 1:55pm (report abuse)I thank Senator Clinton, for the submission of the Bill. We were involved in the Berlin, Cuban Crisis etc. it is long overdue for us to be honored for our service.
Bill "O"
May 29, 2008, 4:32pm (report abuse)Served my country for 24 years 1948-72, and I'm one of those 64% who believes that there should be a "Cold Ward Medal", if you one of those 64% get off you duff, and write, call, or E-mail your congresman and Senator, NOW.
Iraq and Afghan Vet
June 26, 2008, 1:05am (report abuse)The Cold War Service Medal would be no different from our GWOT Service Medal. The Cold War lasted decades as will our current GWOT. Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, etc were all part of the Cold War. Recognize the victory and our brother veterans.
Jerry F.
June 26, 2008, 10:21am (report abuse)The Cold War Victory Medal should be a given. It should be for those of us who fought a war that was mostly fought in secret.
NC Sentinel
July 31, 2008, 12:00pm (report abuse)I think we as a country might be learning some lessons from the past. It took over 60 years to recognize our WWII heroes with their own monument in DC. It took the lessons of Korea and Vietnam to learn to support our troops no matter what and welcome them home with the honor they deserve.
The certificate I got from DoD was nice, but a medal and the recognition of serving under Ronald Reagan and his "Peace through stregnth" agenda would be great.
It would be nice to recognize our service, especially the 120 MIAs that are still missing.
Elliot B.
August 29, 2008, 8:32am (report abuse)The NDSM eligibility should be extended to include all those Cold War veterans that served between 1954-1960 and 1974-1990. The NDSM is now awarded for all that have served since 1990 to a date yet undetermined. These left out veterans defended their country against a brutal and aggressive enemy and deserve the NDSM. Pleae e-mail your senators and congress to request that the NDSM be extended to cover these veterans.
ZIGGA U.S.C.G. 1974-1994
September 18, 2008, 12:44am (report abuse)Department of Defense “maintains a long-standing policy that service or campaign awards will not cover periods where other service or campaign awards have been authorized, such as the Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal, to name a few. These are comments DOD has made for not making a decision to produce this desired and deserved recognition. The problem I see in my case is the fact I served apporximately 17 years of 20 in service with the U.S. Coast Guard retiring as a Chief Gunners Mate. I have been to Cuba 6 times during that time to the "largest Mine Field in the Free World." I have boarded Russian Fishing Vessels in Alaska From 1977-1994. As an Era Veteran of this conflict, I did not get recognition for Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal, since this was not a recognition of service for the U.S. Coast Guard. I wish the best forward movement.
john H.
November 6, 2008, 6:11pm (report abuse)Agree with Elliot B. All Cold War veterans should be made eligible for National Defense Service Medal. They served and defended their country when called upon in a time of national emergency. Someday maybe a true tally of the total U.S. casualties suffered as a result of Cold War will be made.
George Husted
November 12, 2008, 12:50pm (report abuse)At least 382 U.S. service members were killed by hostile fire during the "Cold" War. That is only 3 less than the Spanish American War and more than double the number killed by hostile fire during Desert Storm [147 KIA]. The Cold War was a real war and we won it. Cold War era veterans should all receive the NDSM and a Cold War Victory Medal.
SAND BANDIT
November 15, 2008, 7:47pm (report abuse)iT'S TIME TO GIVE OUR SERVICE MEMBERS BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED THE HONOR OF "THE COLD WAR MEDAL" TO MANY OF US HAVED DONE WHAT ORDERS HAVE REQUIRED WITH OUT QUESTION AND MANY HAVE GIVEN MORE, SO IT'S TIME FOR THIS HONOR TO COME ABOUT
David Coffin
November 21, 2008, 6:50am (report abuse)The medal should be a very special medal like a silver star with lighting bolts on it and the words silent warror to acount for the soldier's who was silanced by there service because of there nuculur involvment in missels the ribbon should be of a nature of purple and white the purple banned for the bruses indured by there silance! the white for the lighted hope thay served for! just a thought David Coffin..!
USMC 76 - 95
December 2, 2008, 7:29pm (report abuse)The Cold War Service Medal and the Cold War VICTORY Medal are both long overdue... 17 years overdue.