DOD has once again raised opposition to the S.402 Cold War Service Medal in a reply to Senator
Carl Levin.
Here is a link to the letter from DOD
DOD Response

We must contact DOD to refute these claims. Many of our members of Congress have said that the
Cold War was a "WAR", even though at the time it was never a declared war.

Many more than the 380 Americans claimed by DOD died from hostile events. The true figures
will probably never be know, as many operations were top secret and details are still classified.

If it was not a war, then why were so many of our military spread around the world, many armed
with nuclear weapons; ready at all times should it happen that someone fired the first salvo.

The cost factor quoted would only be valid if all veterans and/or next of kin filed applications
immediately. This would not happen in the first year, it would probably be spread over 9 or 10
years. It would take time for the word of the medal being authorized to spread down to every
veteran.

It is a know fact that for the "certificate" only about 2.5 million applied during the first
10 years of its existence.

The duplication of awards does not hold water either. Consider the GWOT, GWOTE, NDSM
are or were awarded at the same time.

There are probably millions of veterans who served their tours without receiving an award of any
type. Those who were affected by the many "reduction in forces" did not even qualify for a
Good Conduct Medal.

The Cold War actually saved millions of lives around the world and provided at least a trillion
dollar peace dividend.

Act now, contact DOD, your elected officials and tell them that this medal is indeed one that
should be issued. It would not "cheapen" other awards. Yes there were some awards issued
during the Cold War, which did include Korea and Vietnam and other hot spots; but not
everyone was eligible.

And this year 2011 is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War and there would be no
more perfect time to finally recognize all those "Cold Warriors" who served and kept the
world free.

The Netherlands has bestowed a medal on their Cold War Veterans, the UK is considering a medal,
Canada is working on authorizing a medal. Louisiana and Alaska have seen fit to honor their Cold
War Veterans, and other states are also considering a medal.

It is time for our country to finally acknowledge, honor and thank all those who served in the
military during what is truly America's Longest War. 

Please use the links to the right to contact your elected officials using the POPVOX, which
goes directly to your officials desk. All you have to do is fill in the blanks, it is quick easy
and free.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996