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H.R. 4051, The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 (280 comments ↓)
H.R. 4051 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.
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Visitor Comments
PastNikeVet
November 10, 2009, 5:58am (report abuse)The time has come for country men & women to stand for those who stood for them, to remember those who gave life for freedom of this nation as well others.
From the actions of over 4 decades 20 nations freed,one reunited and scores of others not having to feel the yolk of tyranny a wall tumbled a victory given to the world.
PNV
JPeters
November 11, 2009, 6:57pm (report abuse)November marks the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. It's time to properly recognize our Cold War Vets who kept the peace for over 40 years.
USMC_Kinda_Guy
November 11, 2009, 7:13pm (report abuse)Well-deserved and long overdue, the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall makes a fitting backdrop for passage of a Cold War Service Medal.
cheesehead
November 11, 2009, 7:55pm (report abuse)Cold War Vets have been fighting for over a decade to get this passed. It's time our elected officials do the right thing and pass this bill so all of our Cold War Vets receive the proper recognition they deserve!
sacwarrior
November 11, 2009, 9:32pm (report abuse)It is also time that our country remember and thank it's veterans of the Cold War. Freedom prevailed as it stood on the shoulders of those willing to meet evil with force on it's behalf. Long enough have our Cold War veterans been forgotten, let this be the last veterans day we forget them! Support the Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 - Remember them! www.AmericanColdWarVets.org
lavet
November 11, 2009, 10:11pm (report abuse)This recognition is long overdue to
these men and women who gave so much
to protect our freedom. Please
support the Cold War Service Medal
Act of 2009!
pdudkowski
November 12, 2009, 7:10am (report abuse)How long should Cold War Veterans wait to be formally recognized? Men and women who served with honor deserve a lasting and meaningful symbol of their sacrifices. Pass the bill, award a medal now!
JohnMc
(logged-in user) November 12, 2009, 8:58am (report abuse)This medal is long over due to recognize those military members that did so much for freedom and liberty around the world
SMG
November 12, 2009, 10:25am (report abuse)If DOD can issue a "Global War on Terrorism" Medal to any old Joe right out of training then I think they should issue a Cold War Medal to honor our Cold War Vets.
MDM
November 12, 2009, 1:08pm (report abuse)I think that the Cold War Service Medal is a good thing whose time has come. Whether a GWOT Medal was issued to "any Joe right out of training" is not the issue. Putting down another vets service is not a way to receive recognition. It just allows the old divide and conquer strategy. All vets need to stick together. Award this medal on what we accomplished, not on what was awarded to someone else.
Jon M. Hill
November 12, 2009, 2:10pm (report abuse)I echo the sentiments of all veterans who have commented here. I believe this honor has been sadly overlooked for many years. The time has come for this important service medal bill to be passed without delay.
Dorsey Horne
November 12, 2009, 3:17pm (report abuse)The Cold War Service Medal is long overdue. Millions of our service men and women served their country during the Cold War Era. Many, many of them have yet to receive any military recognition from our government. The Cold War Certificate was not a form of military recognition. Anyone who was an employee of the United States Federal Civil Service can receive this generic certificate.
Jim Weller
November 12, 2009, 7:17pm (report abuse)I see this award as a similar to the Gloabal War On Terror Service Medal. DOD has already made a precedent. Also Obama supported this as a candidate for the presidency. The recent Poll by DOD also landed the COLD WAR SERVICE MEDAL as the number ONE question/concern. Congress has already recommended that the DOD award this medal. But DOD never acted and Congress only "recommended" this medal. It is time to act. Many Cold War veterans have already died without proper recognition. DOD and the VA recommend that veterans wear their medals on patriotic holidays, but many Cold Warriors don't have any award to wear to show that they honorably served their country in our armed forces.
DocE.
November 12, 2009, 8:31pm (report abuse)This finally needs to be awarded THIS YEAR! It's was overdue.
Warren
November 13, 2009, 8:17am (report abuse)Since more and more Cold War Vets are being lost to time we need to pass this legislation NOW!
Pass the Cold War Medal so that they can be properly recognized for their service!
SSE
November 13, 2009, 12:15pm (report abuse)Great to see that this bill has been introduced. Long overdue.
RogerW
November 13, 2009, 3:47pm (report abuse)Over the years I have encountered many veterans from the Cold War period who never received any type of medal to wear on Veterans Day & Memorial Day. It's time that these vets are properly recognized with a medal of their own.
DJM
November 13, 2009, 3:51pm (report abuse)On October 18, 2006 then Senator Barack Obama was quoted as saying: “I agree that the Cold War Victory Medal would be an appropriate honor.”
On January 8, 2008 “Obama for America” website stated: “As president he would sign legislation creating a Cold War Medal.”
It is time for the President and our elected officials to pass the Cold War Service Medals Act NOW!
Jerry Terwilliger
November 15, 2009, 1:08am (report abuse)Cold Warriors should all be recognized. The time is long overdue to issue a Cold War Medal
wolves69
November 16, 2009, 11:40am (report abuse)A small token for a large sacrifice.
CEP125
November 16, 2009, 9:23pm (report abuse)I think it's great that those who served during this period will finally be recognized for their great service-very much deserved...unfortunately, it appears that reservists are being left out once again. They too served and were ready during this period just as they are now - in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Kuwait etc.....
Old TAC Man
November 16, 2009, 9:24pm (report abuse)It is long pass due for this Nation to recognize the servicemen and women who stood their ground against Communism and WON.
Bill H
November 17, 2009, 10:42am (report abuse)Not only long overdue but why are Republicans in the Senate fighting it? Makes no sense that this should be happening.
SIMON
November 17, 2009, 1:16pm (report abuse)Former French Air Force NCO 5 years in Germany (Lahr 4th ATAF and Berlin CASC and USAF BARTCC) now officer (major).
We have the sames difficulties in France to get the Cold war recognized ! despite the fact that we wont it and that to win the war against communism without to fight is also a victory. I support you !
Bon courage camarades américains !
USMC Vet
November 18, 2009, 3:05am (report abuse)It's about time. Long overdue. Semper Fi.
Farmer40
November 18, 2009, 3:29pm (report abuse)They stood at the forefront of the free world and stared down what was arguably the largest military force in the world. Their sacrifice both at home and abroad was the foundation upon which our success in the Cold War was built. Honor them. It's the right thing to do!
Yip23
November 18, 2009, 11:11pm (report abuse)What's with having to serve two years though. I had been on Active Duty for 20 months when the Cold War ended...so I wouldn't be eligible according to the bills wording.
USAFOsan
November 20, 2009, 10:34am (report abuse)It's about time!
Roger W
November 22, 2009, 9:30am (report abuse)Hope these bills finally get signed into law. We've waited too long as it is.
R Holmes
November 23, 2009, 3:06am (report abuse)I served in the Army at the time of the Cold War and yes it is time for us Vets to be recognized.... please vote yes
Don R
November 23, 2009, 3:19am (report abuse)I served with the 10th Div. in Germany. We were in the Fulda Gap.
We don't ask much--just acknowledgment that we existed.
Gord
November 26, 2009, 1:04am (report abuse)Obviously we should honor our Cold War Veterans in this way. Let me ask you this - what would our lives look like if we had not won the Cold War? Would humanity even exist?
s/sgt robby
November 26, 2009, 6:41pm (report abuse)yes,it is time all our brothers in arms, need all the aknowlegement with the medals that we have earned. yet the poloticians try to deprive us of this. lets remember these at the next election. marine 74-80
TopBlake
November 29, 2009, 12:05pm (report abuse)This has got to be the year. Let's get this done!
The Corky
December 1, 2009, 1:59pm (report abuse)"Boo Hoo, I don't have a hero button." That's what you sound like from here. You act like you did some great and wonderful thing. You did a job and you got paid. You certainly were not heores and you don't deserve anything.
SGM
December 1, 2009, 7:29pm (report abuse)Wow...even this site isn't immune from pathetic losers like "Corky" with his lame childish comments.
I'll bet you're some snot-nosed little punk who still lives in his parents basement while spending all day long trolling websites so you can flame others.
Get a life you P.O.S.! Most of the others on here are vets who served their country honorably...unlike you who would probably have a hard time making it in the Salvation Army.
Poor SGM
December 2, 2009, 1:32am (report abuse)No longer has all those stripes so he can order people around. Now he has to understand that he is, and really always was, just a little punk-ass with a big mouth. Another would-be "hero" who never did anything but sit around on his fat ass.
Dale
December 4, 2009, 12:40pm (report abuse)Served for 4 years during cold war. Destroyer, Cuba, Haiti, Atlantic, Med., Lebanon No medals, no NDSM. Never thought I deserved one really, but this would be nice to hand down to kids.
Don R
December 5, 2009, 2:51am (report abuse)Good for you SGM! I couldn't have said it any better. Too bad the trolls are upon us. I would just add that living veterans are about 8% of our Country's population. Although that is a lot of people, it is still a pretty select group. What the trolls need to remember is that we all raised our right hand to defend our Country. Outside of combat veterans, who is to say which are more "important"?
Carl D
December 8, 2009, 12:25am (report abuse)So let's get this straight - you don't have any self-pride or the self satisfaction of knowing you did a necessary job. And you think some rinky-dink ribbon will make you feel better about yourself. What a bunch of wussie wimps.
...
December 8, 2009, 12:27am (report abuse)WAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
I want my hero button.
CWO Steele
December 11, 2009, 10:59pm (report abuse)Unlike decorations, service medals are meant to honor and display service during a particular time and/or conflict. You should be able to look at a veteran's or current service-member's ribbons and determine his periods of service, major conflicts, and level of performance. The Cold War is currently a gap in that display of honorable service.
...
December 12, 2009, 12:50am (report abuse)Another one crying for a hero button. And if you really think the service medals realy have any meaning you haven't been paying attention. Way too many being given for ridiculous and idiotic reasons.
PastNikeVet
December 13, 2009, 2:17pm (report abuse)To the unknown troll so you gamed the poll and have just your hate filled remarks LMAO well I am calling you on it !
If folks take notice both polls for S.2743 and H.R. 4051 MATCH for the third time as the unknown troll shows their hate filled skills think on that people as well look at the amount of positive remarks with just this lone trolls disent !
You may game the system troll the people is a bit harder to do and someone like me not at all !
PNV
Crazy 8
December 13, 2009, 2:44pm (report abuse)I feel these guys should get there medal!!! Give it to them now!!! It was earned!!!
Say Hey PastNikeVet
December 13, 2009, 9:37pm (report abuse)Just what did you do that makes you feel so special? Sat on your ass. probably in Germany, drinking beer and having a good time. Most likely never in any danger of being in harm's way. And now you want to be a hero. From here you are nothing but a weinie-waver who can't stand that others don't recognize your "sacrifice." Yeah right. Hero.
For Crazy 8
December 13, 2009, 9:41pm (report abuse)And what do you think they did to make you think "It was earned". They did nothing but a job. They got paid fori and that's all they should get. No hero's in that bunch. Not one.
Jason B
December 13, 2009, 9:51pm (report abuse)I have been watching this bill and the companion bill in the senate since they first came up. The votes here have been within one percent or so of each other for the entire time. There has been a change in the balance but nothing to indicate any gaming of the numbers. From what I have read on other bill postings there is some type of system in place to prevent much of this from happening here.
PastNikeVet
December 14, 2009, 9:59am (report abuse)Nice try troll to post as { Jason B } ans its quite easy to change the values of the poll so to take you off at the ankles again !
I am the first person to remark and and the poll ran 95/93 until you showed up.
Next in other polls {that you cannot touch like VFW } support has run at around 80% +/- AMVETS & American Legion support this Award.
As I said { BUSTED } troll now that I called you out !
PNV
...
December 14, 2009, 10:22am (report abuse)Talk about a troll. PastNikeVet looks for anyone who might be against his particular stance and attacks immediately. Now if there is a troll, it would seem he or she is the one to call out.
As to the comment about the other boards, sure the numbers are probably higher there, simply because of the membership. Here there is no restriction on who votes so those who may not agree are free to do so. So if you disagree here is perhaps the one place you can really be heard.
Alex in Lou Ky
December 15, 2009, 6:42am (report abuse)There is no reason what-so-ever to fight against our soldiers that day in and day out fight to protect our freedom. My feelings will always remain such, even if I do not agree with the politics of the time. I say recognize the soldiers for their bravary in the face of conflict.
Wake Up Alex
December 15, 2009, 10:31am (report abuse)This bill is about all those who served in the "Cold War" and never faced an enemy in a conflict. Your comments have no connection at all with this bill.
AlexinLouKy
(logged-in user) December 15, 2009, 7:45pm (report abuse)You would know this absolutely how?
...
December 16, 2009, 1:13am (report abuse)Read the bill. It says "Cold War." By definition that means no battles. DA.
Dr. Bob
December 17, 2009, 7:19am (report abuse)Please recognize Cold War veterans with the medal.
...
December 17, 2009, 9:12am (report abuse)WAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
I want my hero button.
StefaniesDad
(logged-in user) December 17, 2009, 6:35pm (report abuse).. this isn't about a "hero button' .. whats with you anyway..? The award is simply a recognition for service during an era of political turmoil and potential exposure .. I think it's a good idea - all vets deserve recognition.
~Dave
SUPPORT ALL VETS!! SUPPORT THIS BILL!!
StefaniesDad
(logged-in user) December 17, 2009, 6:41pm (report abuse)PS: I read an article the other day about people who post negative, derogatory comments about veterans on boards like these.. the experts ALL agree that people like "..." suffer from inferiority complex often complicated by severe anxiety over personal failings in life, if male suffer from erectile dysfunction and are seen as overprotected, smothered, and incapable of doing things for themselves.
Lastly they will comment negatively and quickly when faced with these facts.. this is the final proof they suffer from "whimpdom" ...
~Dave
SUPPORT ALL VETS!! SUPPORT THIS BILL!!
USMC_Kinda_Guy
December 17, 2009, 7:44pm (report abuse)StefaniesDad,
Nice post buddy. Kudos!
...
December 18, 2009, 9:33am (report abuse)"if male suffer from erectile dysfunction"
Now that's funny right there. But I don't understand what you mean. Stefanie [vulgarity].
StefaniesDad
(logged-in user) December 18, 2009, 3:40pm (report abuse)Undersand this "..." dude.. it's like I said.. you can't stand it.. you have to respond to mprotect your non-virility.
~Dave
SUPPORT ALL VETS!! SUPPORT THIS BILL!!
...
December 18, 2009, 5:31pm (report abuse)Oh well, as long as she is happy with it I guess you don't count.
Navy 69-73
December 18, 2009, 10:24pm (report abuse)Dear No Name Dec 18, 2009 9:33 AM You need to to confine your writing to the walls in the head and not make ignorant comments online.
SUPPORT ALL VETS
Goober Navy 69-73
December 19, 2009, 1:35am (report abuse)Are you the one who punked the kid? You sound like you might be the pervert. Those navy guys, well, you know.
USMC_Kinda_Guy
December 20, 2009, 9:43am (report abuse)PART I - I believe that a critical issue is being missed - the CWSM is NOT a personal medal; it is a service medal. The two types have different award criteria, different purposes, and different impacts on the surrounding military culture and its institutional history. In any event, I've noticed a lot of apparent confusion on this matter (on both sides) as people continue to apply personal awards standards to what is simply a service medal. The standards of the CWSM have been established already in the legislation - essentially 24 months active duty, or 30 days deployed AND an honorable discharge. Short and sweet, cut and dried, black or white. Either you meet the requirements or you don't. This is typical SERVICE medal criteria, and constitutes in fact a higher, more stringent standard than those devised for the KDSM, GWOT Service Medal, or some of the Yugoslavia-related awards.
USMC_Kinda_Guy
December 20, 2009, 9:47am (report abuse)Part II - More important than its value to an individual, the CWSM - because it is in fact a Service medal - will have a positive impact on the wider military culture. Approval of a CWSM will finally provide official validation of a half-century of national policy that resulted in the collapse of the Soviet Empire and the subsequent liberation of tens of millions of people from the yoke of Communism. The CWSM will help institutionalize these events in military history: beyond those wearing it that are still in uniform, the medal and its info will be added to the various Awards Manuals and Awards Precedent Charts. In sum, the CWSM will help the Cold War achieve its place in the historical record, and not dumped in the ashbin of history (along with the carcass of the USSR). Knowing about the CWSM award might also bolster the spirits of the troops fighting in the GWOT by showing them that victory in a decades-long struggle is indeed possible.
...
December 20, 2009, 8:31pm (report abuse)OFCS, what kind of babble are you spouting? Does any thinking member of the military really care about all that? Most don't care and won't even put the ribbon if they are authorized. Why would they - it is meaningless.
And I suppose you are one of those who has an "I LOVE ME" wall somewhere, with your awards and decorations in a shadow box. Sheesh!
Ranger Mike
December 21, 2009, 4:43pm (report abuse)It was a war of deterance. The goal was to avoid starting WW3. It took a lot of guts to face down armagedon and not blink. No shooting war? your welcome. We saved the world without going to war, your welcome again. Dont say no shots were fired though, lots of KIA/MIA ae out there casualties of a "no shooting "war.
...
December 22, 2009, 3:03pm (report abuse)Lovely way to bend words to your benefit there Mike. It was not a war and no matter how you try to disguise it, all this is simply whining from those who don't have a "hero button" to point to. Those individuals are the one's who cannot derive any sense of self-satisfaction from knowing they did a good job. Perhaps because they didn't do anything but sit around on their backsides. Sorry, but this is a dumb idea all around.
Nix Nein mit die Pommes
December 22, 2009, 4:10pm (report abuse)This medal should be approved and awarded for the simple fact to recognize who served and ensured that the war never happenned. If you never served, find some way to serve now and complain at their site.
...
December 24, 2009, 10:36am (report abuse)Well, I see the kiddies are all home for christmas break and the BS is flowing. Go back to your little crib and pull up your blankey.
Nix Nein mit die Pommes
December 29, 2009, 2:30am (report abuse)Unknown critic, you seem to have a lot of anger issues. Perhaps you were like D.C. and had "more important things to do" than serve. Please give us something useful in this debate. Those who actually served deserve this recognition and btw, I have the SWA and Iraq Freedom campaign medal plus over 20 years service. I deserve the right to give my opinion, what say you.
StefaniesDad
(logged-in user) December 29, 2009, 8:08pm (report abuse)This one will pass .. don't pay any attention to the tiny penis crowd.. they haunt this and any other vet boards they can to disrupt honorable vets posting meaningful thoughts..
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
~Dave
SUPPORT ALL VETS!! SUPPORT THIS BILL!!
...
December 30, 2009, 2:10pm (report abuse)I say I have the right to give my opinion - This is just another bunch of crybabies who don't have any self-respect or sense of self-worth, most likely because they did nothing to be proud of. They want someone else to tell them they are "heroes" so they can feel good about themselves. Nothing more than that. Crybaby whiners.
...
December 30, 2009, 2:11pm (report abuse)Say there, Dave, now that you have defines yourself as a small prick, how's that kid of yours enjoying the poking?
StefaniesDad
(logged-in user) December 30, 2009, 6:15pm (report abuse)"Micro Penis" (...) strikes again.. read above comments for analysis of "..."'s physiology..
In response she says you don't satisfy her.. she needs at least 3 inches.. sorry moron.
~Dave
"SUPPORT THIS BILL!! SUPPORT ALL VETS!!
...
December 30, 2009, 6:57pm (report abuse)Oh now Dave. Last time you said "she" was a "he" so it seems you are just another little minded, [insult]. But then that was evident from the first time you posted.
PastNikeVet
December 30, 2009, 7:30pm (report abuse)The Corky whats the problem you fear folks knowing all the personal attacks are from you ?
Fear they might catch on to your sad,silly actions ?
Fear not having any arguement to use other than personals attacks ?
What has been clear from the first time you posted is you child like remarks.
Beside your silly and sad remarks can you at lease come up with something worthwhile and a real reason your feelings are so set about not awarding this medal ?
Next have you ever got past your own ignorance of the era or is it having failed basic and being told your lacking been your whole reason for all the trash talking ?
PNV
DonR
(logged-in user) January 1, 2010, 11:43pm (report abuse)I'm pretty tired of the trash talking and insulting remarks directed at Cold War veterans. I doubt if they could come from an actual veteran. Let it be clear, I don't think any of us are looking for a "hero" medal. We just want our service recognized. As to the implication there was no danger during the Cold War, it is not the case. I served with the 10th Division in Germany. I was almost killed twice, a friend of mine was killed in an accident, and one of the men in my I&R platoon face was turned into a blackened crusted mess by an explosion. He almost loss his eye sight. I think we deserve respect. I think we deserve a medal recognizing our service.
...
January 2, 2010, 7:38am (report abuse)Sure you were in danger. Because you were dumb enough and careless enough to cause an accident that killed your buddy.
So sorry, but what you "think" really has no bearing on the outcome here.
All you whiners want is for someone to day you are worthy. "WAAAAHHH! I want my hero button." is really true about all of you. You don't have the self-respect or the sense of self-worth to believe you did anything so you want someone else to validate your existence. So sad.