Cold War Certificate (Are you a Cold War Veteran?)

U.S. Army ^ | Jan 29, 2005 | gobucks

[gobucks]

Figured that a few Cold War vets should know about this.

*snip* Is this for real?

* Yes. In the 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States any time during the Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945, through Dec. 26, 1991.

* Applicants must certify that their service was "faithful and honorable", and they must supply a copy of a supporting document which proves that they served during the Cold War era. The certificate may be awarded posthumously to those whose relatives apply on their behalf.

* There is no charge for a Cold War Recognition Certificate. Note that no medal has been authorized or issued for Cold War Recognition.

* The program is scheduled to run for 10 years, so there is plenty of time to send in your request and supporting document.

[Larry Lucido]

Plus I was in Cambodia on Christmas 1968. Or 1978. I think it was Cambodia, anyway. Maybe it was Easter. Reagan was President.

[R. Scott]

Is it just me, or does this make little sense?

It does make sense in a way.
In the early 70’s I was an E5 platoon Sargent. Every man in my platoon had been to Viet Nam, and most had ribbons in addition to the standard three, including Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars and one Silver Star. Our 1st Sgt had somehow never made it over. Our CO and XO were too new and had only the National Defense Service medal. Over the next few years we had a lot of shake and bake NCOs making their appearance – again with nothing but the National Defense ribbon on their chest.
Some must have bitched – they were senior to their troops, but had only one little ribbon. Over the next few years we were inundated with ribbons. I was issued the NCO professional Development Ribbon for attending a school, the Army Service Ribbon for being in the Army and the Overseas Service Ribbon for being overseas. Now even those new troops had some pretty ribbons for their uniform. It made them feel good.

[R. Scott]

US Army October 1965 – July 1986.

[cardinal4]

They are playing your song..

[Sarajevo]

2nd ACR 80-87 (East German-Czech Borders)
USSF 89-99 (Bad Toelz & Stuttgart, FRG)

[familyop]

"Do we reservists count? 1982-1992."

Hey! I say that your service counted!

I was a NG cbt. engr. (cbt.--not constr.) for seven years and gave up the vanity stuff (awards, politics for rank, etc.). The last unit (one year there after a transfer) erased two of my ribbons (one a superior unit award that our commander told us no subsequent unit could take away), but I let that go, too, along with the lost LODs for the knees (waived surgeries, continued training).

...went through the divorce (affair by the ex that started while I was in the field), was pushed out of the university English Program by feminazis (who didn't like my new haircut after three months at Ft. Leonard Wood), was refused a number of jobs explicity because I was in the Guard, put up with a platoon sargeant who was an effeminate, vindictive social worker and had no experience in my MOS,...

...did my part, worked hard, stayed out of trouble, and that's all that counts.

[bad company]

U.S. Army. 82-85. air defense. Spent two years playing grab-ass with russian migs 20k's from the czechoslovakian border.

I've known about this certificate for a while. I've never been that interested in a plaque on the wall, but that flag! That's going to end up in my gun room for sure.

[Bryanw92]

I did two missile patrols on the USS Lafayette in the 80's, then transferred to an SSN for the remainder of my enlistment.

[larryjohnson]

I always thought the National Defense Medal covered the Cold War but then it has been extended.
My VietNam Service medals are enough for me but I do Honor All Who Served. The flag and patch are neat and the rocket is a space launcher which I did rather than an ICBM. So I will prob buy those and mebe join. Thanks for the link.

[larryjohnson]

To my fav cold war gal(but you are hot)

[Doohickey]

*shrug* United States Navy '84-'97. Didn't do it for the recognition, though.

[edfrank_1998]

I retired in 92. Served in Germany twice and with GDP alerts knew which tree I was supposed to die next to. We supported 2ACR on the border. Nothing like being a speed bump. LOL Was also there for the Wall and the time leading up to the fall.

Was on the DMZ (Infantryman) in Korea in 78. That was interesting to say the least. They've approved a Korea medal for people like me. I'll probably put in for it.

I've put in for the Cold War Cert (finally). I didn't want it during the Clinton administration but having Rumsfeld signature on it would be very cool (to match the Bush signature on my retirement certificate).

My unit visited East Berlin while up there training at the Combat in Cities site in 82. I saw the white crosses along the wall commemorating those who died trying to get across the border. I see this certificate as a way to honor them.

[gljones]

Me: USMC 1979-1985

Husband: Retired USMC 1976 - 1997

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

U S Army March 71 - December 73

Not sure what I would do with the certificate nor where I would wear a medal. Long since moved on down the road ...........

God Bless.

[Marinefamilyx3]

Looks like I qualify:
US MARINES 1981-1992

And hubby:
US MARINES (retired) 1979-2002

Hubby actually waited until after Clinton was gone to retire. He refused to have that signature on his retirement certificate.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

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http://www.WeWereSoldiers.com

http://www.lzxray.com

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set1.htm

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set2.htm

http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set3.htm

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[Coldwater Creek]

My Husband was Navy counterintelligence. He escorted Gary Powers and the U-2 over Russia. Was actually shot down and took them weeks to walk out. He said that any bad feelings that he ever had for the Marines vanished the instant that the crew was found.

Lots went on during the cold war that people in the states never knew about, and still don't until this day.

[sergeantdave]

No medal designed yet?

How about Stalin reading "Mein Kampf" to Hillary.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

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HAL G. MOORE: The Legacy and Lessons of an American Warrior

http://www.armchairgeneral.com/page_left_column.php?content=show_curr_issue_0904a

http://www.war-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14752&page=1

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