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S. 2743, The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 (85 comments ↓)
S. 2743 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, 5:34am (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, 7:02pm (report abuse)Cold War Veterans protected our nation and her allies against communist aggression for over 40 years. It's time for these brave men & women to be properly recognized with a Cold War Service Medal.
USMC_Kinda_Guy
November 11, 2009, 7:18pm (report abuse)As I stated for S.2743's companion bill (H.R.4051), the well-deserved and long overdue Cold War Medal should become a reality this year, which marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
cheesehead
November 11, 2009, 7:57pm (report abuse)Cold War Vets have been fighting for over a decade to get this legislation passed. Enough is enough! It's time that are Cold War Vets receive the proper recognition they deserve!
lavet
November 11, 2009, 10:22pm (report abuse)With the 20th anniversary of the fall
of the Berlin Wall, it's time for
this country to show it's Cold War
Vets the appreciation they deserve.
This recognition is long overdue.
pdudkowski
November 12, 2009, 7:13am (report abuse)Great optimism for all deserving Veterans with this bill. Do not pull the rug out from under them. 20 years is too long to wait. Award the medal today while we are still alive to appreciate it.
SMG
November 12, 2009, 10:27am (report abuse)If DOD can issue a "Global War on Terrorism" Medal to any old Joe right out of training then I think they can also issue a Cold War Service Medal to honor our Cold War Vets!
DocE.
November 12, 2009, 2:07pm (report abuse)Pass it this year; it's long overdue
Jon M. Hill
November 12, 2009, 2:22pm (report abuse)I am in full agreement with the above comments from my fellow veterans. This honor, which has been hard earned, has been sadly over looked. I respectfully request that this important bill be passed and the Cold War Service Medal be issued without delay.
Dorsey Horne
November 12, 2009, 3:24pm (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 during the Cold War Era can receive this generic certificate.
JIM WELLER
November 12, 2009, 7:25pm (report abuse)I see this award as a similar to the Global 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.
John Trego
November 12, 2009, 8:38pm (report abuse)This medal should have been awarded 20 years ago. Let's finally get this done!
Warren
November 13, 2009, 8:19am (report abuse)More and more Cold War Vets are being lost to time every single day. We need to pass this legislation NOW!
Cold War Vets deserve proper recognition for their service!
SSE
November 13, 2009, 12:14pm (report abuse)Great to see that this bill has been introduced. Long overdue.
RogerW
November 13, 2009, 3:44pm (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 or Memorial Day. It's time that these vets are properly recognized with a medal of their own.
DJM
November 13, 2009, 3:53pm (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 the “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 Medal Act NOW!
JLH
November 13, 2009, 9:53pm (report abuse)This medal is long overdue. There were more military service deaths during the Cold War than all wars combined since Viet Nam. These deaths should mean something. A Cold War Service medal is the least that we can do to honor them.
Kerry Yen
November 14, 2009, 4:49pm (report abuse)A Cold War Service Medal is long overdue. Too many young people don't know the signficance of the Cold War. If the Cuban Missle Crisis or the Berlin Wall Crisis of 1961 turned "hot" we all would not be here today. REMEMBER THAT!
The strength of our Armed Forces was a key in preserving the peace for over 45 years. The Active Duty forces, the Reserve, and the National Guard, whether they servrd in wartime, peacetime, in the United States or overseas, all deserve this medal for this period.
Jerry Terwilliger
November 15, 2009, 1:13am (report abuse)46 years of facing and stopping the spread of communism. 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, 17 years since the demise of the Soviet Union.
How much longer do we have to wait?
This must be the year for a Cold War Medal
ETCM
November 15, 2009, 6:03pm (report abuse)Having served 1960-'80 aboard three destroyers and a carrier I can testify there is no "role-playing" for those who served during the time period specified. The ammo was live, the encounters were real and a test mettle of the servicemen and women on watch. This recognition is overdue
wolves69
November 16, 2009, 11:42am (report abuse)A small token for such a large sacrice!
Wildflecken 74-77
November 17, 2009, 3:06pm (report abuse)I would like to see this medal be awarded. I remember seeing soldiers come to Europe during this time, spend his or her full tour and be discharged without a Good Conduct, National Defense or any medal of any kind....Nothing to show for what they did for Western Europe and those back home. Seems to me to be the right thing to do.
USNAVY 1975-1998
November 17, 2009, 8:00pm (report abuse)What a waste of time on a bill to pass. How many cold war warriors are still serving active duty, what is this medal worth to us retires or the vets? This medal and a buck 25 cents will get me a dollar sandwich at McDonalds..
IF you want to do some thing for us retirees pass the Disabled Military Retiree TAX.. I Am tried of paying for my own disability from my retirement pay I am 40% disabled and they take that 40% form my retirement and give back to me as my disability payment !! WHAT A joke like this medal!!!!
USMC Vet
November 18, 2009, 3:08am (report abuse)It's about time; long overdue. Semper Fi!
Farmer40
November 18, 2009, 3:36pm (report abuse)It is time to honor the men and women who personified the strength and resolve of the free world and who laid the foundation for our eventual success in the Cold War.
USAFOsan
November 20, 2009, 10:33am (report abuse)It's about time!
Roger W
November 22, 2009, 9:32am (report abuse)Hope these bills finally get signed into law. We've waited too long as it is.
PastNikeVet
November 28, 2009, 6:12pm (report abuse)DJM would you please be so kind as to visit American Cold War Veterans -via Google {advanced search} or www.americancoldwarvets.org
We need you imput on what you posted here as to dates and where you obtained the information please.
Thank you PastNikeVet
The Corky
November 29, 2009, 9:04am (report abuse)HooHah! All you "cold-war warriors" are a bunch of sissies. Now you want someone to "recognize" you. Well I recognize every one of you - as no-account wimps who couldn't fight your way out of a wet paper sack.
TopBlake
November 29, 2009, 12:06pm (report abuse)This has got to be the year. Let's get this done!
PastNikeVet
November 29, 2009, 5:19pm (report abuse)The Corky well got right too it at 9:00 AM you go getter you, well just to point out a little something most folks that served that era never got to sleep in Sunday's or any other day it seems we were busy keeping the freedom you enjoy to run your mouth !
PNV
Cobra
November 29, 2009, 6:29pm (report abuse)This medal is long over due. If it wasn't for Desert Storm (which made us forget the Cold War victory) this medal would have already been awarded.
JVS
December 1, 2009, 7:55am (report abuse)Yes, the medal should be awarded ASAP.The DOD should be ashamed of themselves for procrastination of an honor so many service people deserve. Afterall, not everyone is assigned to a combat zone, nor is everyone assigned to duty on the German border facing Russian tanks and machine guns. Get on with it!!
For PastNikeVet and the rest
December 1, 2009, 1:57pm (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, 7:30pm (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, 1:30am (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-*ss with a big mouth. Another would-be "hero" who never did anything but sit around on his fat *ss.
Wildflecken 74-77
December 8, 2009, 12:07pm (report abuse)I think "The Corky" has possibly said it best. He's correct, I am not a hero and have never claimed to be. I not sure I would want the medal with sentiment out there like this. It reminds me of when I served during the Vietnam Era and the way we were treated then. I am begining to believe, once again, that many in our Country think this way. Over 91% of the country didn't do what we did....they aren't veterans. They don't understand what service and sacrifice are all about. I suppose we are viewed as a joke to many. Sad situation. I fear that our country cannot endure with people like this, who put so little value on the military. Thanks but no thanks. I've got enough medals.
FAS Jr
December 13, 2009, 7:47am (report abuse)FAS Sr would have deserved it, to wear it and be appreciated by being given it; had he not passed away last Aug and missed it, being LONG OVER-DUE!
So FAS Jr
December 13, 2009, 1:41pm (report abuse)You want us to believe your dad was a hero and give him a hero button? To what end. He did a job, was paid, and that's it. End of story.
PastNikeVet
December 13, 2009, 2:15pm (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
Yoo Hoo PastNikeVet
December 13, 2009, 9:39pm (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.
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, 9:55am (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, 10:23am (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.
Yoo Hoo PastNikeVet
December 14, 2009, 10:39am (report abuse)So you didn't answer. Must mean I hit too close to home. Yeah, you're a hero. You should get a button for consuming the most bear and wurst. What a bunch of bulls**t you spread. Go back to the AmVets and have another beer. I'll bet they will give you an award for sucking down the most suds.
...
December 14, 2009, 9:22pm (report abuse)I suppose you meant "beer" and not "bear." I don't think even a hero like PVN would be able to take down a bear.
Troll Cop
December 15, 2009, 8:51am (report abuse)Yoo Hoo you are being cited as a Troll. Return to your bridge and stay there under bridge arrest. Idiots will not be tolerated. That is all.
Hey Troll Cop
December 15, 2009, 10:33am (report abuse)You certainly fit the "idiots" description very well. In fact look in Wikipedia for "Idiot" and there's your picture. Take a hike.
sacizob
December 19, 2009, 10:42am (report abuse)I served in Germany 61-62, drank plenty of beer and also spent 3 months in the field on the czech border just to show a presence to the Russians. Received a GCM.
Now a days you get a ribbon just for joining the Army
Vietnam Evacuation 1975
December 19, 2009, 10:59am (report abuse)I served in the 4th Marines in April 1975 during the evacuation, I got my medals in 2008. I had one friend die in 1980 and on in 2006, they never got thier's. Do NOT let this go any longer, it is more deserved than any I have, and many that are issued today ie. DI ribbon, Overseas Service, GWOTS, Artic Service, Security Guard, Sea Service and about 10+ more. Issue the Medal, in my opinion it is a crime this has not already been done.
USMC 1974-1978
Hey sacizob
December 19, 2009, 11:02am (report abuse)You did the job you were paid to do. Does that mean you should get a medal just for doing your job? At the time you were there a Good Conduct Medal was actually something of value. Today, if it even exists, you would get one for showing up.
And you make my point when you say "Now a days you get a ribbon just for joining the Army". That is exactly the problem. Everyone wants to be a freaking hero, without ever putting in the extra bit it takes. This bill has no value and should never have been introduced.
USMC_Kinda_Guy
December 20, 2009, 9:57am (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, 9:59am (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, 8:32pm (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!
wolves69
December 24, 2009, 11:53am (report abuse)This is more then having a “button”. This is about recognizing the historic success of defending democracy. However, PC can’t "offend" countries so during the CW, many citizens spoke against the military. Some wanted political favors by cutting defense while some thought it was fashionable to attack the military. Their goal (as now) was to weaken democratic resolve so all countries could live in peace under the U.N. It was only the strength of the military that kept Korea free, and the projected power that the military allowed for unheralded freedoms abroad. I don’t care if a soldier sat in a silo, or at a bar…all Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen could have made the ultimate sacrifice. These citizens took an unheralded step to serve while others sought exemptions in a foreboding era. So, recognition is a symbol of collective contributions, of sacrifice, and for encouraging values from a country “willing” to put the military in harms way.
...
December 24, 2009, 3:29pm (report abuse)WAAAAAAH!!! I want my hero button.
Stephen Schweyen
January 2, 2010, 2:52am (report abuse)What about a 2 year RA with 2 week
early out for Christmas! Lots of these guys!
CRTAgain
(logged-in user) January 5, 2010, 2:40pm (report abuse)The time has come for veterans to remember that they are nothing more than citizens of this country. They must finally understand that their so-called sacrifices were nothing more than a job they did, and for which they were paid.
These individuals would have us believe they were the reason communism failed to expand over the rest of the world. Not true. The major recognized reason for the failure of communism was the simple fact that we outspent them on weapons technology. And the entire tax-paying citizenry of this country paid for that, not these wanna-be heroes.
They did nothing special and deserve no special recognition.
Sean Eagan
January 6, 2010, 9:35pm (report abuse)Presently no Campaign Medal exists to recognize the dedicated
participation of thousands of Cold War service members who "Stood Watch"
and participated in hundreds of military exercises and operations that
occurred between the start of the Cold War on 02 September 1945 and the
end of the Cold War on 26 December 1991 in the cause of promoting world
Peace and stability which led to the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall.
Although there have been some instances where a medal or ribbon such as
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal , Vietnam
Service Medal have been issued; the vast majority of veterans did not
receive any recognition or medal during the Cold War period. Although a
Cold War Certificate exists, federal employees to include Postal Workers
can receive this award thus diluting its status and meaning for service
members who served during this time period.
PastNikeVet
January 6, 2010, 9:37pm (report abuse)The Corky so now your CRT too my - my your quite adaptive LMAO so here is some reading loudmouth the VFW's book " Cold War Clashes " as for Vietnam once more your total ignorance is showing as well your tunnel vision.
That could change if you read more and talked less crap as well forgo the personal attacks.
Last your narrow minded childish rant about a hero button your so ignorant that you cannot even tell a individual award from a campaign.
Oh and last your personal feelings seems you still have failed to give any reasons to why your against it you only can resort to acting like a child time to grow up or STFU !
PNV
YooHoo PNV
January 7, 2010, 8:38am (report abuse)So all you have to finish off your tirade is a childish comment like "STFU"? My, my, my. You have really degenerated during your short time here. Better watch out, you are circling the drain pretty fast.
PastNikeVet
January 8, 2010, 5:00pm (report abuse)Naw The Corky thats the toilet while I'm flushing you LMAO see ya !
PNV
USMC VET
January 12, 2010, 6:03am (report abuse)Those who served want and deserve the award. The paper recognition was a farce and an insult,which incidently cost as much or more than a Cold War Service Medal would have. It's about pride,thanks and history.
PNV
January 12, 2010, 10:40am (report abuse)Nah, you just want to whine because you think no one respects your service. Get over it and move on.
PastNikeVet
January 12, 2010, 5:58pm (report abuse)If this was put to a vote here you would beat me hands down for the person that whined the most.
Next unlike you my actions do not revolve around me The Corky its not about my service its about those who died serving !
You should heed your own advice about moving on when all you have for is personal attacks and no valid reasons for doing so.
PNV
...
January 13, 2010, 8:11am (report abuse)And just what in this bill will do anything for those "who died serving"? Your claim of altruism certainly rings hollow.
PastNikeVet
January 18, 2010, 2:47am (report abuse)You are a joke The Corky the full blown TROLL I not only finished Basic, Infantry training, Combat Heavy Equipment Traing , I also served on a Nike Hercules Site.
So just how did you figure I hate all things military, live with my mom nope have lived on my own for 30 years own a home for half of them last you claim your an Honorable and real veteran ?
If that is true how do you get to trashing others that served and where the hell do you get off with the my service was better B.S. ?
Last who the hell are you to judge anyone more so when you know nothing about the people you insult or their service ?
Your just some bitter loudmouth and if your a veteran or not you are what defines a TROLL !
To come in here and crap on those that served as well those that are known KIA,MIA & POW's of the Cold War Era as well demean & belittle all those who served the entire era says much about your sorry ass!
You a poor excuse for a human being!
PNV
PNV
January 18, 2010, 2:25pm (report abuse)I would say you might read your tirade above and then look in the mirror. Everything you just said certainly applies to you, especially that last part.
USMC_Kinda_Guy
January 19, 2010, 11:33am (report abuse)As I posted in the other thread, it should be noted that virtually all of the negative comments can be attributed to one individual, an unnamed "troll." Agree that everyone here should use the link on this page to contact their members of Congress. 1 or 2 lines of text should do it. For SENATORS: "Please co-sponsor S.2743 and assist in all efforts to incorporate Cold War Service Medal language into the 2011 NDAA." For REPRESENTATIVES: Same thing, except substitute "S.2743" with "H.R.4053." Quick and easy - you're done. The link for wriying an e-mail to Congress is on this page - use it.
USMCKindaGuy
(logged-in user) January 19, 2010, 12:01pm (report abuse)Just to clarify my previous post, which should have been phrased a little better (and wrong number for house bill as well). Should have written: "except REPLACE 'S.2743' with 'H.R.4051'" (NOT 4043). My bust; mea culpa.
USMCKindaGuy
(logged-in user) January 21, 2010, 10:32am (report abuse)Update: Both Senators - Kerry and Kirk - have become the newest cosponsors to S.2743. Kudos.
USMCKindaGuy
(logged-in user) January 21, 2010, 10:34am (report abuse)Dang! In the previous post, I meant to say both Senators from Massachusetts. Mea culpa.
HaHaHa
January 22, 2010, 8:51am (report abuse)And in a week or so Kirk will no longer be a senator. Kerry would sign up for anything to get him a veteran's vote, especially after he was outed during his presidential campaign.
USMCKindaGuy
(logged-in user) January 22, 2010, 10:33am (report abuse)No problem. Senator-Elect Scott Brown has already been apprised of the medal issue, and will cosponsor once he gets established in DC.
In addition, the companion legislation (H.R.4051) has picked up 8 new cosponsors.
...
January 23, 2010, 12:06pm (report abuse)No problem indeed. Brown has no intention of supporting this bill.
Corky
(logged-in user) January 24, 2010, 12:02am (report abuse)PastNikeVet says he "served" on a Nike Hercules site. Well whoop-tee-do. You already got your pocket rocket so you don't deserve anything else. And as someone else already said, all you really did was sit on your can and soak up beer and wurst. Sounds like a real hero to me.
Hastings 73
January 24, 2010, 10:19pm (report abuse)Corky, You should go get a hug from someone. Your seem so angry. As for the veterans who support this bill, ignore the negative posts and contact your reps to get this bill passed. The time is now!
Old Timer
January 28, 2010, 4:55am (report abuse)Corky is an idiot. No one should pay any attention to his antics. He should leave veteran sites alone since he could never hack it. Go stand in the corner until you can be nice.
Hey Old Timer
January 29, 2010, 2:16am (report abuse)What's this I hear about you? Someone told me you were a pervert out looking for little boys. Any truth to that?
Old Timer
January 29, 2010, 3:38am (report abuse)This proves that you are an idiot. Talk about being for or against this medal or go back to your corner. I am done with you, you Troll!
"Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away" General of the Army MacArthur.