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S. 1763, The Cold War Medal Act of 2007 (58 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- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current.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. 1763 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.
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Visitor Comments
Rich G.
July 27, 2007, 9:29pm (report abuse)I hope that they pass this bill. It would be nice if the government did try not to screw the veteran community for once.
michael altamura
July 28, 2007, 10:06pm (report abuse)THE DOD MUST HATE VETERANS WHO SERVED DURING THE COLD WAR,OR THEY WOULD AUTHERIZED THE COLD WAR MEDAL.
Wm. C. Oxx
July 29, 2007, 6:56pm (report abuse)I'm glad that we're going to get some recognition for keeping an eye on the Wausau Pact all those years I was stationed in Germany.
J.R. Terwilliger
August 4, 2007, 10:08pm (report abuse)It is about time our veterans receive this recognition. Congress pass this bill
Marc
August 7, 2007, 9:27am (report abuse)This is a no brainer, with all the Misc. ribbons they award today that have nothing to do with freedom. This was /is an important victory!!!
Semper Fidelis
USAF 84-91
August 7, 2007, 10:16am (report abuse)CONGRESS-Please do not let this one slip by again. Every year when this legislation gets dumped in the Defense Bill it is just a hard slap in the face of our veterans.
Spend the money and do the right thing.
Write your representatives NOW using the easy link on this website.
This should be the year that this long overdue recognition becomes a reality.
~GOD BLESS AMERICA~
DUANE M.
August 18, 2007, 10:30pm (report abuse)THIS WOULD BE WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION FOR THOSE WHO SERVED DURING THAT TIME PERIOD,THE CERTIFICATE WAS A START WHICH COULD BE IMPROVED.MOSTLY A VICTORY MEDAL WOULD NOT DUPLICATE OTHER AWARDS,MANY IN HISTORY SUCH AS PRES. EISENHOWER,GEN. OMAR BRADLEY,ETC HAD EARNED WW1 AND WW2 VICTORY MEDALS.MAYBE AT A FUTURE TIME FROM THE NAVAL RESERVE SUGGESTION THAT THE ''AMERICAN DEFENSE MEDAL'' COULD BE AMMENDED FOR PERIODS MANY CONSIDERED AS PEACETIME,AS THE OPPOSITE OF THE ''NATIONAL DEFENSE''MEDAL'' GIVEN FOR HONORABLE SERVICE DURING WAR.
Joe O
August 21, 2007, 8:07pm (report abuse)It is time for a Cold War Medal. If you served during a period that we were not involved in a war defending some one else contry you got no recognition from the Government, no matter where you were stationed.
Fred Mitchell
August 22, 2007, 9:59pm (report abuse)It was a COLD War,very few days went by,with out the Russians boasting in the German news papers,how many divisions they had, and could invade Germany in 12 hours.my service was 1949-1952 1959- 1962
Currently Serving
August 24, 2007, 9:47pm (report abuse)Do not pass this bill. We have enough over-inflated fruit salad soldiers. Leave the medals for those who earn them by doing more than breathing.
Sgt.
August 25, 2007, 4:14pm (report abuse)Fruit Salad Soldier? You have no idea where we were and what we had to do that was never disclosed. Perhaps you will look to us for help when the government screws you. But because we pride ourselves on taking care of each other when no one else did...we will forgive you and work to get you what you deserve. Do you think we were fruit salad soldiers when we were blown to piece's on a peace keeping mission in Lebanon? Do you think soldiers weren't dying just because it wasn't declared? Embrace your fellow soldiers...you will want to know them when you are in need.
Fall of Saigon Marine
August 27, 2007, 2:17pm (report abuse)Dear Currently Serving; the only thing I think your serving, is dinner. I can't believe you are in the US Military. The medal was earned more than many that are issued today. I have two children that served for the past 8 years and they both think so also.
Semper Fidelis, Cold War Vets
MSGT
August 28, 2007, 6:31pm (report abuse)To Currently Serving, your comment is insulting to those who served during a much different time in the armed forces. They served in times we could not even imagine so to make a generalized statement of such as "over-inflated fruit salad soldiers" just goes to show the ignorance you have of those who served before you. Without their service during the height of the Cold War you would not be enjoying some of the luxuries of wearing the uniform, which I'm certain you're proud of wearing, so please show some respect.
ReconMan
August 29, 2007, 10:04am (report abuse)Regarding currently serving (CS): CS is a prime example of kids having no respect for their elders. I wouldn't be surprised if CS is a pogue somewhere in the states!
USMC_Semper_Fi
September 6, 2007, 6:41pm (report abuse)Regarding Currently serving, I can't believe your comment, I'll bet you didn't grow up in the 50's or 60's or 70's!! Anyway it was my pleasure to stand watch over this great country so you can grow up and make the choices you have to this day! I appreciate your service but not your comment!
PastNikeVet
September 6, 2007, 10:42pm (report abuse)CS many took note of your slamming Cold War Vets yet missed the fact you did the same for those serving as of this moment (my son in Iraq for one) they earned their fruit salad my question is why did you feel the need to make such a statement?
Next how much time have you had in service that makes you such an expert to judge whom should and should not have awards?
Next what rank have you obtained are you even an O are you in any type of combat arms MOS?
Just what makes you have the talk and have you walked yet, seems to me your still crawling and in the ooze no less!
More so when you condem Vets past and present :(
Maybe a good idea to rethink your lame statement I commend your service but condem your remarks as one who is immature and quite judgemental.
Oh-Rah! Fresh fruit salad for Notorious D.O.G.
September 7, 2007, 2:17pm (report abuse)It is imperative that DOD get hot and do the right thing for every veteran who honorably served doing the Cold War era. Yes, the Federal Government is obligated to issue the Cold War medal to this cranky, fruit salad U.S. Marine/Cold War veteran and my fellow Cold War veterans.
Hmm. Regarding Currently Serving (a.k.a. Charlie Sierra the World's Greatest Hero)... I believe Charlie Sierra may not be a "current" member of our beloved United States Armed Forces. He/she is probably "currently serving" time is in a stinkin' penitentiary or is just an anti-war prankster. Who knows? Who cares? Charlie Sierra is simply a whiny coward, who anonymously cowardly posted half-baked insults against us Cold War veterans, about whom he/she doesn't know anything about.
Because I have opted to post a decent comment, I will now cease fire and return to the rifle range in Idaho. Charlie Sierra has posted his/her opinion... I have just duly posted mine.
U.S. Marine/Cold War veteran
95 Bravo
September 13, 2007, 5:52pm (report abuse)I never thought much of my service,(1984-1992)because I was a reservist.It was also a time of peace.We were always told of our importance,because the U.S. would never want another draft.But as the years went by I had the honor to meet many a soldier,who had stories of being on alert on the Czech border(ready to go in) or being sniped at on the North Korean Border,Or chasing some dictator through the jungles of Africa.We were trained for urban war fare in a mock mid east city in Alabama,(we did not know why)The Gulf War came about,we were ready,we were trained and able.The World saw our might.Through the grace of God,I have never seen war.But toward the end of my duty I finally got it.We made a difference.We through our numbers prevented the "what ifs".God bless our Country,and Thank you.
Hooks Forever
September 15, 2007, 2:39pm (report abuse)Yes Currently Serving is serving only himself it sounds like. He must think that during the Cold War we played with each other and had a jolly old time. I did my time in Ch-47 Chinooks from 76-82, and wouldn't change any of it.
I did deployments (REFORGER)with the 101ST Airborne, that was no picnic. And did a 4 year stint in the Republic of Panama protecting the Panama Canal and our vital interests south of the border. Anyone who served during the Cold War should be recognized for that. It's to bad Ronald Regan didn't see that happen since he was ultimately the one who ended the Cold War.
cary 3rd infantry
September 29, 2007, 4:46pm (report abuse)thank-you all cold war veterans for your contribution in bringing victory to americas longest war, a medal is long over-due.
USAEUR 1958-1960
October 4, 2007, 2:52am (report abuse)hr-1585 has passed the house and senate and awaits conferee committee. If interested you can do a google search on bill and find the name of conferees and let them know your thoughts.
Good Luck
Mark L.
October 12, 2007, 6:59am (report abuse)The Cold War was a war with hundreds if not thousands killed and thousands more injured and wounded. All veterans of the Cold War should be made eligible for award of the National Defense Service Medal also. Right now veterans that served during half of the cold war period (those that served from 1954-1960, 1974-1990) aer inelligible. I think they very much served in defense of their country and are well deserving of Cold War recognition.
Pershing Professional
October 25, 2007, 10:01pm (report abuse)The CWVM is too long over due for us Veterans during that period. The threat was real and the consequences of that threat was more than anything that C.S. could ever imagine. Time for C.S. to grow up !!!
Frank_T
November 1, 2007, 10:34pm (report abuse)We are working hard to help the Armed Services Committee get the Cold War Medal (already passed by the House) included in the National Defense Authorization Act. Check out www.americancoldwarvets.org.
ReconMan
November 11, 2007, 4:01pm (report abuse)Still following this act on thomas.loc.gov. It looks like HR 1585 (subtitle F, sec 556) is in conference with the Senate and the last action was in early October. So far the CWVM is still on the books. Interesting suggestion about the National Defense Service Medal. Know anybody in Congress willing to sponsor such a bill?
DUANE 81-87
November 12, 2007, 8:49pm (report abuse)Lets us keep in mind that the cold war was fought/won by many shots of ammo,covert/espionage operations,and thank god those shots weren't NUCLEAR ICBM'S.
Chris Frost
November 22, 2007, 1:12am (report abuse)It is time we properly honored our Cold War vet's. Much is made and rightly so about the "Greatest Generation" that fought and won in WWII. But those that served between and during WWII, the Korean and Vietnam wars did this country an invaluable service. Korea and Vietnam were deadly parts of a much larger conflict that had we lost would have had consequences as dire as if we had lost WWII.
Mark H.
December 5, 2007, 8:54am (report abuse)Those who served in the Cold War deserve the Cold War Victory Medal. I served in the US Army in West Germany from 1976 to 1979 in which I was a field artillery soldier. Our field problems took us near the Czech border or in the Fulda Gap. We had to work under adverse conditions along with the shortage of spare parts and fuel for our vehicles. Since the USA was still going through the post-Viet Nam years, American service members were still being shunned and laughed at in certain parts of the USA by certain ingrates. To contradict what CS stated, service members during this time did more than just breath or take up space. We had to perform. Did you ever carry a 97 pound projectile over your shoulder in -5 degree weather and deep snow? Did you ever have to repair a 2 1/2 ton truck in the cold rain? Have you ever been frostbitten? Before you start calling people fruit salad soldiers, take a walk, or march in their boots.
Coop
December 6, 2007, 8:10am (report abuse)There are too many medals today but one for the Cold War will be justified. Now you can get a whole line of ribbons just for being activated. Two GWOT medals and one each for Afghanistan and Iraq also adds up. However, there was a time when medals were not that common and the sacrifice of three generations of Americans that held back the expansion of Communism should not be forgotten. I have been in service since 1986 and would like the medal just to remember the men and women that I met as a young service man. I understand that it will not apply to most of the new members and awards mean a lot to todays newer soldiers, but each medal is ultimately a reminder of a part of a veterans life. No loss or suffering can be compensated for by ribbon or metal, but rememberance of past sacrifice should never dismissed as frivilous. Just be glad the Cold War stayed cold, the alternative would have been the fastest, deadlist, conflict that the world would ever see.
I&R 56-58
December 7, 2007, 1:00am (report abuse)I served in the US Army in Germany during the cold war. I remember the alerts in the middle of the night freezing in the snow. We would hear tanks in the distance and wondered if they were Russian or ours. We were ready to fight, but knew the odds were against us surviving if they attacked. In the Cold War, American servicemen were injured and killed. Recognition of our service is little to ask.
USAREUR 58-60
December 7, 2007, 8:44pm (report abuse)Well DOD did it again, screw all you vets we don't need you anymore.
Happy holidays to all from the past.
4P6A
December 16, 2007, 2:55am (report abuse)Look whose finally found us.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/LetAllColdWarVetsJoin/
Anon Today
December 30, 2007, 12:05pm (report abuse)Why won't Senator levin stand up for CW Vets? If you want an explanation, he is silent -- maybe taking his orders from Undersecretery Chu, via SASC staff?
Spearhead
January 4, 2008, 6:26pm (report abuse)CS has no idea how many 3AD members were killed or wounded in training accidents in Germany. You do a great disservice to the thousands of of Spearheaders who served from 1956 thru 1992 facing the Russian Army.
tincan sailor 61-64
January 10, 2008, 2:30pm (report abuse)I served onboard USS Sellers DDG-11 that was part of the naval blockade of Cuba, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I am proud to have been in the Navy and serving our country under President Kennedy. The closest we ever came to a nuclear war in our history. Seems that "currently serving" does not know anything about us CW veterans. I am honored to a part of this group of veterans. Bravo, Zulu
stickshift
January 20, 2008, 11:49am (report abuse)I served in Germany from 65-67 I remember the alerts where you were lucky to get any sleep for days. Standing and working in the snow and trying to remember what a holiday with my family would be like. I also remember the fear from going to our loading zone with the required deterrent/ammo and wondering if this would be the last time I would see my friends. To CS, get your facts together before you put your mouth in gear.
I respect your service if you are truly in service, but that is as far as I will go with my comment.
SETAF 85-87 NIKE SITE
January 22, 2008, 6:34am (report abuse)Many today really don't understand the threat that the Cold war was. Many of us lived in remote villages in N. Italy with a not so friendly host nation that had Communist Party simpathies. It wasn't unusual to wake up and find "Yanky Go Home" painted on your apartment or your car windows smashed out. We did look over our shoulders when walking to the market, think twice about going into certain unfamiliar places less you meet up with the wrong people and yes soldiers and airmen did wind up dead, IDs stolen uniforms used to drive a car filled with explosives to be detonated infront of the PX(Germany 1984). The Red Brigade ws active. Yes I served in the Gulf War also and truthfully, I would prefer that situation than the Cold War. In the Gulf, you knew the guy in front of you was the enemy. In Europe you were never really sure when befriended by a host nation cohort. My 2 cents
USN+USAF
February 27, 2008, 10:23pm (report abuse)Served USN 86-96 and USAF 01-present. Came close to losing my life several times during this war. I received a few sea service deployment ribbons and a unit award. I think a Cold War Medal wouldn't be too much to ask. The Cold War was the most memorable of my service and the most dangerous. Don't let us down Congress.
LB101st
February 29, 2008, 9:57pm (report abuse)CS is a jerk and that is being nice. I served in Nam and after and you belittle everyone that deserves the Medal.
gary d
March 7, 2008, 4:41pm (report abuse)I would like to know who voted against this bill
Pugh
April 6, 2008, 12:47pm (report abuse)The Cold War Service Metal is long overdue...1980-1990 active, reserves 1991-1993, USN.
Ray Landry
April 9, 2008, 9:37pm (report abuse)It sure wasn't to peaceful during The Cuban Missle Crisis. We went into harm's way and achieved our mission. We avoided nuclear war with Russia. No War, No Parade, No wartime benefits, No Thanks.
Ken White, Georgia
April 15, 2008, 10:57pm (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.
Julio M. Flores
June 5, 2008, 1:49pm (report abuse)When I enlisted in the Marine Corp it was to serve my country and defend her againest her enemies. I earned the Korea Defense Medal during my enlistment but I am not entitled to the National Defense Medal, how ironic.Semper Fi
Wild Bill
July 11, 2008, 9:37pm (report abuse)Freedom isn't free
Cost should not even be a factor just another sad case of who gives a sh*t about our veterans! But if you re-up right now for your 4th or 5th tour I'll give you 40 grand to go spend in the sand box if you complete your contract or tour with out getting killed!
Old School Marine
July 16, 2008, 10:38pm (report abuse)I feel the CWVM is long over due. I started my service during the middle of the cold war, I deployed to Kuwait in 94. Then after 9-11, I deployed in support of OIF and OEF. I'm no fruit salad warrior. It is time for the elected officials, to pay the respect that is due to the veterans of the Cold War.
cary
July 29, 2008, 6:59pm (report abuse)cold war vet usaf 1955/1963
kangnung korea /thule greenland
and various stateside bases
Gary Petro
August 10, 2008, 8:12pm (report abuse)Cold war vets did a great service to our country,it's time they get the appreciation they deserve.
Larry. US Army retired
August 21, 2008, 1:56pm (report abuse)The Cold War Metal is past do. I served my first enlistment on the East and West German border 11th ACR Blackhorse. Our duty was very important to the victory of the cold war and I am very proud of the job we did and all other cold war vet. All I can say to the person who belittles us cold war vets. I have served in war and peace time and both services are important to the future of this country If you don't like the United States leave. You wont be missed.
Rob
September 15, 2008, 1:57pm (report abuse)A big problem for Cold War vet's is that, the majority of people I have spoken to regarding the Cold War period, is that these people think the Cold War is "the war fought in cold weather." These were people from their late teen's to their late 40's in age. It just goes to show you how the these people have no clue about our history.
Gary,old marine
September 25, 2008, 12:16pm (report abuse)The only way to get this is if everyone of you contacts your state senators, get everyone you know to contact your state senators. If enough of us do just maybe they will listen.
JoeMansfield15CAV4AD59-61
October 31, 2008, 3:57pm (report abuse)IN Sen R Lugar says it would be to expensive to produce a medal. Also Mr Lugar dosen't want ot up set Mr Putin of Russa...FYou Mr Putin!!! Rep Mike Pense In. says he is in full support of VETS...BS Mikeie!!!
These people we elect need to be replaced... all 59...VOTE RIGHT and VOTE OFTEN!!!
Gary
November 12, 2008, 3:18pm (report abuse)I agree we do need a Cold War Medal but I believe that there should be a medal for the wartime disabled first. They will suffer with their disabilities for life, some with a high amount of pain.
These men and women have had their lives ruined while in service to our country while in a time of war. We own them something first.
marine 1955
November 12, 2008, 3:23pm (report abuse)Maybe it should be issued to those who served but did not receive a campaign or service medal for other periods of war
Viper USAF 1975-1994
December 6, 2008, 8:08pm (report abuse)Lets have a stronger support for our troops reguardless the branch of service for the "Cold War" medal
Hank G
December 9, 2008, 8:04pm (report abuse)Does a cop that never fires his weapon during a crisis make him any less deserving of the title of policeman. Did his presence deter a crime? time served honorably in the us military shoulnever go unrecognized. does anyone know how many died or were injured during the service to this great country. I know of 3 that died during operations playing war games. there has to be a # of those that lost their lives. Would America be safe without a military of course not.
Sgt Mike
December 22, 2008, 12:21pm (report abuse)If you don't believe the Cold War was a real war, you weren't there and didn't see/experience the things that I or my Comrades in Arms did during those years.
Like our veterans of any other conflict, we too deserve recognition from our government for the sacrifices we made, and the pains our aging bodies now feel as a result of our honorable service to defend this Great Nation!
It's time for the government to get off its forth-point-of-contact and pass this bill. We deserve a Cold War Service Medal, and those of us who were there when it ended deserve the Cold War Victory Medal. It's time for something more substantial than a piece of paper.
Because of us, Freedom lives, and our Great Nation survived completely intact as the most powerful Nation in the world!
Mike
US Army (1981-1992)
European Defense (1983-1984)
Korea Defense (1986-1987, 1990-1991)
US Army Reserves (2008 - TBD)
(Proud father of a soldier deploying to Afghanistan soon)
Signal Corps - HOORAH!
Ken F. Miller Jr.
December 25, 2008, 8:10pm (report abuse)I served in Germany from 1964-67. I suffered the cold, the pain and the lonliness of service so far from home. I was only 18 and fresh off the farm. I soon realized that a threat of war was all around us over there in Germany. The old Germans hated us, the young ones just didnt care.
I have always hated being known as a VIETNAM ERA VET. I love and respect what they did...but what about what I (we) did? I came home with a service connected disability. I am very proud of what I did, and would do it over if called to! GIVE US COLD WAR VETS OUR MEDAL SO WE CAN FINALLY FEEL GOOD ABOUT OUR SERVICE! Some have NO idea of our sacrifices over there!!
GOVERNMENT IS ONLY AS GOOD AS IT'S CITIZENS....SO LET'S ALL STAND UP AND BE SEEN! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
KEN F.MILLER JR.
MICHIGAN