Hi Folks it seems there is a movement afoot to award medals to those of us it appears were overlooked. The Canadian Gov in a private members bill proposed a Cold War medal for people who served 1949-89. In Britain there are calls for a National Servicemens medal and also medals to recognize service during the 1960-70-80. I’m awaiting the issue of the Pingat Jasa Medal issued by the Malayan Gov to service personel who served in Malaye-Borneo 1957-67. But wait for it in their wisdom the British Gov have ruled it can’t be worn alongside British medals??? Sorry but if a Commonwealth Country wants to recognize my service then I’m sure as hell going to wear it with pride. Anyone notice how many medals and decorations the members of the Royal Family wear? many of which are Commonwealth???? However, in the end who really cares, we only get to wear them a couple of times a year at best and who is going to question what one wears????
Keep reading Cheers
I am in total agreement with you and understand how you feel.
Here in the good old US of A our veterans have been waging a ten year
battle to have a Cold War Victory Medal issued to all who served honorably from Sept. 1945 to Dec. 1991.
There have been several bills issued over the last few years, but none have
yet to be made a law. Several reasons were given for not awarding a medal, but none of them are good and honest reasons.
The Department of Defense has fought against a medal, citing a cost issue; and that it would be duplicating other medals. Also saying that a Cold War medal would “water down” the meaning of those awards.
What about a medal for serving aboard a ship? Or “serving overseas”?
There have been other medals handed out since the end of the Cold War that were not allowed to be retroactive.
So yes the Cold War veterans are with an award or honor, and are even told to their face that they”are not veterans”
We hope that this year will be different, there have been bills introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives that would finally allow a Cold War Medal to be awarded.
Even President Obama, before he was elected said he was in favor of
a Cold War Victory Medal. We have asked if he would issue a medal by
Executive Order. but so far nothing.
So, we like you wait and wait and hope that possibly since this year
marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall; justice will prevail.
Oh, yes two states have issued a Cold War Medal or Ribbon to their
Reserves/National Guard units, but the medal is not authorized to wear
when the units are called up for active duty.
The Department of Defense was nice enough to say that “commemorative medals are available from private vendors.” We can buy them and hang
them on the wall.
Best of luck in your endeavor, and hope you get your medals soon.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
http://www.americancoldwarvets.org
I would just like to a little more about the National ‘Defense Service Medal.
Yes, guys coming out of basic training do get a medal now.
That was not always the case, it was a very time specific award
June 1950 till Aug 1954, Jan 1961 to Aug 1964, Aug 1990 to Nov 1995
Then from Sept. 2001 to a date to be decided. So as you see there were
periods it was not issued, and thus these veterans got nothing.
In fact many did not even get a Good Conduct Medal, back then you had
to serve four years in the military to receive one.
So we are very much behind you in your quest and are looking for
equality for ALL veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
“We Remember”
My blog website
http://jerry88acwv-americancoldwarveterans.blogspot.com/
Ben,
Good luck in your efforts in getting proper recognition from your government. We’re fighting the good fight over here in the States! For the life of me, I’ll never figure out why The USA, UK, and the rest of NATO resist these medals. We WON the war – what’s not to like?
I like this web very much.
This is really a great place.
And it is not like other money oriented site, the information here is truly valuable.
I am definitely bookmarking it as well as sharin it with my friends.
Very good concept, I like how you convey the message.