Now That Congress Is in Recess

The month of August is here, that means that Congress is in recess for the month; and everyone is back in their home state.

Now is the time to call the local office, closest to you, of your elected official. Ask for a meeting with said official. A chance to look them in the eye and present your case. Get your facts together first, then

put it on the table. 

Be polite, courteous and smile. Then discuss Veterans issues...VA problems, maybe your experience with VA; other general concerns about our Armed Forces and Veterans, our US Military and the budget crisis.

Then....ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 2067 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2015 and be sure to vote for passage when it reaches the floor for a vote.

Ask BOTH of your Senators to introduce an identical bill in the Senate. We need it on both sides to gain any traction. It is too late to have it included in the NDAA, so stand alone bills from the House and the Senate have to happen.

If anyone seems a little wishy-washy about it ASK THEM WHY NOT. 

Also ask for an investigation into the USS LIberty and the coverup. There has never been an official Congressional investigation into the murder of 34 Americans and wounding of another 174. 

An attack by the IDF (Israel Defense Force) on a clearly marked American

ship; practically unarmed,  with the purpose of killing all onboard and sinking the ship.

We as Cold War Veterans have been waiting since 1991 for recognition, it is time. The USS Liberty 

Veterans have been waiting since 1967 to get the truth, to finally know the why and the who.

DoD did have a very quick and brief investigation and called it a case of "mistaken identity."

The huge America Flag flying from the mast, and the big hull numbers on the side meant 

nothing to those who attacked the Liberty.

Write the letters, send the faxes, send the emails, make the phone calls, make the visits;  do it often.

Remember that you can visit or call the local office anytime. You can call the DC office and

ask to speak to their Veterans/Military aide and tell them what you want them to know.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Chairman Emeritus 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

Cold War Service Medal Act 2015

On April 28, 2015 Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY3), and Congressman David Jolly(R-FL13)
introduced a new bill H.R. 2067 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2015.

This bill was introduced with 7 cosponsors, and has been sent to the House Armed Services Committee.

The Cold War was waged for more than 45 years as the United States and our allies combated
the spread of Communism, from 1945 through 1991.

There were many lives lost in this decades long battle. Despite the common misconception that
"Not a shot was fired", our planes were shot down from the sky by Communist forces, our ships
were attacked and damaged, troops on the ground were attacked and killed and or wounded

Korea, Vietnam, the Congo, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Dominican Republic and many other
"hot spots" were all a part of the Cold War.

Many members of the Armed Forces were placed in dangerous and difficult situations on a daily
basis; often during missions that even today remain classified, and we were not; and still not
allowed to speak of what we did to family or friends.

Now, more than 25 years since the downfall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War;
we should finally bestow on our veterans the thanks of a grateful nation. It is time to offer these
veterans the respect and honor they so deserve.

Contact your Congressman/Congresswoman urging them to become a cosponsor to H.R. 2067
and demand the bill be brought to the full floor for a vote, and vote for passage.

Please also contact your Senator asking them to introduce a similar bill in the Senate immediately,
let us not wait another year, do it now.


No longer allow our Cold Warriors to be a forgotten and dismissed generation of veterans.



---- Jerald Terwilliger Former  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

Military Veterans Serving In Congress Decline Again

Perhaps the biggest reason that Congress is ignoring or downplaying our military and our
veterans is the fact that each year fewer and fewer Members are veterans or still serving
in the military

The 113th Congress now is session has only 108 members or 20 percent that are veterans or
still serving in our military. That figure is 10 less than the 112th Congress.

These numbers break down to 88 veterans in the House-this includes 2 female Members and also
2 delegates. The Senate has 18 veterans of Military Service.

According to lists from GQ Roll Coll, these Members have served during WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo as well as during times of peace
(read Cold War). Many have served in the Reserves and National Guard.

Eight House Members and one Senator are still serving in the Reserves, and six House Members
are still serving in the National Guard. Of special interest, Both female veterans are Combat
Veterans.

The diminishing numbers of veterans follow the steady decline of the number of Members who
have served in the military. In 1981-1982 the 97th Congress 64 percent were veterans, and in
1971-1972 the 92nd Congress 73 percent were veterans.

So, as the number of veterans in Congress declines, so to does the number who would look
favorably on current military and our veterans.

It also means that fewer understand the Cold War and it's meaning. The Cold War gets pushed
further into the corner of darkness, neglect, and indifference.

And, the chances for a Cold War Service Medal seem to shrink exponentially, it seems that
no one wants to remember the Cold War. No on except those veterans who placed their lives on
the line and faced danger every day in places far from home in harsh and trying times. Never
sure if "this is a drill" or if "the ballon went up."

The number of Cold War Veterans is also rapidly declining, as age creeps up on us and silently
steals away one more life, leaving one less voice to be heard that wants to tell our story.

Before the last Cold War Veteran passes away America it is time to say Thank You to these
brave men and women.

Urge Congress that this year our nation will remember and recognize these veterans. Ask your
elected officials to introduce legislation that will authorize and DIRECT DoD to issue
a Cold War Service Medal.

Yes, bills have been introduced in the past, but they either are removed during the House/Senate
Committee meetings, or even worse: lie on the desk in their respective Armed Services Committee
and never get to see the light of day; are never brought forth for a vote.

---- Jerald Terwilliger 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

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I Am A Vet

We were young and brave, and sometimes foolish
Our leaders, somewhat older and wiser
Showed us how to become our best
Young boys and girls, became women and men

We placed our lives on hold
Put our life on the line,
To protect and serve the nation we love
Often far away from family and friends


We stood our watch where ever it might be
Waiting and hoping we were not called for real
Through heat, dust, cold, snow and ice
Brothers and sisters, I have your back

Friendships were made, and bonds quickly formed
To last a forever, time and distance matter not
When we meet again it is like we never parted

Ready at all times to face the enemy
On land, in the air, on the sea or below
We performed our tasks, never quite sure
Was this really it, or just another drill

Those who paid the ultimate price
They gave their all, the last sacrifice
Our tears were shed as we silently stood
To honor and remember them forever

Some will look down on a veteran
Disregarding and disrespecting
Showing not honor, but venom and hate
Forgetting that we gave them the freedom

Our days are numbered, and quickly passing
The old guard passes the torch to the new
We watch with pride as they take their turn
Will our country ever learn

War is evil, war is hell and yet
Would we do it all over if we had the chance
Yes, we are proud, we stood the test
And now I can say I am a Vet


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Cold War Service Medal, Let Us Try Again in 2014

As we all know the year 2013 was a do nothing year. There was no concerted effort or push to have the Cold War Service Medal authorized.

Our request to President Obama to issue an Executive Order to create the medal went unanswered and ignored.

All elected officials are now home and will return to Washington on Jan. 2, 2014. Please let us all try to contact them in their local offices before

they return to Washington.

Ask them to please introduce legislation that will authorize a Cold War Service Medal. One good idea would be to use the same wording used by

then Senator Clinton in the bill she introduced.

The Secretary concerned shall issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War service medal', to persons eligible to receive the medal under subsection (b). The Cold War service medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.
`(b) Eligible Persons- The following persons are eligible to receive the Cold War service medal:
`(1) A person who--
`(A) performed active duty or inactive duty training as an enlisted member during the Cold War;
`(B) completed the person's initial term of enlistment or, if discharged before completion of such initial term of enlistment, was honorably discharged after completion of not less than 180 days of service on active duty; and
`(C) has not received a discharge less favorable than an honorable discharge or a release from active duty with a characterization of service less favorable than honorable.
`(2) A person who--
`(A) performed active duty or inactive duty training as a commissioned officer or warrant officer during the Cold War;
`(B) completed the person's initial service obligation as an officer or, if discharged or separated before completion of such initial service obligation, was honorably discharged after completion of not less than 180 days of service on active duty; and
`(C) has not been released from active duty with a characterization of service less favorable than honorable and has not received a discharge or separation less favorable than an honorable discharge.
`(c) One Award Authorized- Not more than one Cold War service medal may be issued to any person.
`(d) Issuance to Representative of Deceased- If a person described in subsection (b) dies before being issued the Cold War service medal, the medal shall be issued to the person's representative, as designated by the Secretary concerned.
`(e) Replacement- Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a Cold War service medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced without charge.
`(f) Application for Medal- The Cold War service medal shall be issued upon receipt by the Secretary concerned of an application for such medal, submitted in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary prescribes.
`(g) Uniform Regulations- The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that regulations prescribed by the Secretaries of the military departments under this section are uniform so far as is practicable.
`(h) Cold War Defined- In this section, the term `Cold War' means the period beginning on September 2, 1945, and ending at the end of December 26, 1991.'.

Should your official object to this version you can ask them to use wording similar to H.R. 1968 The Cold War Service Medal Act

of 2011

To 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, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011'.

SEC. 2. COLD WAR SERVICE MEDAL.

(a) Medal Authorized-

(1) IN GENERAL- Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

`Sec. 1136. Cold War Service Medal

`(a) Medal Authorized- The Secretary concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War Service Medal', to persons eligible to receive the medal under subsection (c).

`(b) Design- The Cold War Service Medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.

`(c) Eligible Persons- A person eligible to be issued the Cold War Service Medal is any person--

`(1) who--

`(A) served on active duty in the Armed Forces for not less than 24 consecutive months during the Cold War;

`(B) was deployed as a member of the Armed Forces outside the continental United States for a period of at least 30 days during the Cold War; or

`(C) performed such other service in the Armed Forces during the Cold War as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe for purposes of this section; and

`(2) who, if discharged or released from the Armed Forces, was so discharged or released under honorable conditions after service in the armed forces characterized as honorable.

`(d) One Medal Authorized- Not more than one Cold War Service Medal may be issued to any person.

`(e) Issuance to Representative of Deceased- If a person described in subsection (c) dies before being issued the Cold War Service Medal, the medal may be issued to the person's representative, as designated by the Secretary concerned.

`(f) Replacement- Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a Cold War Service Medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced without charge.

`(g) Regulations- The issuance of a Cold War Service Medal shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable.

`(h) Cold War Defined- In this section, the term `Cold War' means the period beginning on September 2, 1945, and ending on December 26, 1991.'.

(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 57 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

`1136. Cold War Service Medal.'.

(b) Sense of Congress- It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to expedite--

(1) the design of the Cold War Service Medal provided for by section 1136 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)); and

(2) the establishment and implementation of mechanisms to facilitate the issuance of the Cold War Service Medal to persons eligible for the issuance of the medal under such section.

I am sure you will hear about the "Cold War Certificate", remind whoever you are talking to that this is just a piece of 

paper that anyone who worked for the government in any function is eligible to the certificate; it makes no mention of 

military service and most veterans have not bothered to apply for it.

Also mention that in 2011 the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that in the first year or two of the medal it

would cost about $2 million dollars, with a cost of $30 million over a 7 year period. That is much less that the cost

estimate given by the Department of Defense.

Make note of the fact that DoD authorized both the Armed Forces Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 

for operations in Bosnia. So the excuse by DoD of "duplication of awards" does not make sense. plus we all know veterans

who served their tour of duty and received no award of medal of any type.

We must make the push hard and often. Contact your elected officials by phone, email, fax, in person or by mail. Do it now

and continue doing it.

Congress will begin working on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 in just a matter of days. Let this be the

year that the Medal is at long last authorized and issued.

Jerald Terwilliger

Former Chairman

American Cold War Veterans

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Sequestration Has Arrived

Tonight at midnight, time has run out, Congress has run out of town, and the nation is facing Sequestration.

As promised the "do nothing" 112th Congress, with a carry over to the new 113th Congress allowed
the hard and bitter cuts to the budget take place.

These cuts will be felt far and wide, and if nothing is done quickly, for a very long time.

The drastic cuts of $85 billion to the budget with a very large amount $48 billion to the Department
of Defense, will cause serious and frightening consequences.

All of the service chiefs of staff and outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta warned many times
of the effects and creating a "hollow" military.

Already the Navy has cut back on planned maintenance of several major ships of the line, delayed
deployment of some ships, will cut back on training.

The Air Force has said they will cut back on training, delay purchases of equipment. The Army, Coast Guard and Marines Corps have all announced less training, less purchases of major equipment.

Plus all services have mentioned possible drastic cut backs in personnel.

Civilian jobs are also at risk, some employees being told they will be forced to take off one day
a week without pay; some through September. That means less time building our nations military
equipment.

How can this not effect our nation and our military. Our brave men and women of the Armed
Forces of the United States will be forced to do more with less and spend more time doing it.

If Congress does not correct this wrong very soon (and it is not yet too late) to fix the problem
how will we as a nation be properly armed and ready to defend our country.

It is well know that both Russia and China are rapidly building their armed forces, most notably
their naval and air forces.

We also have to consider North Korea, Iran, countries in Africa, the Middle East,  and
South America all looking to rattle their sabers and march their armies, anything to increase
their standing on the worlds stage.

Who will be brave and foolish enough to say, look America is getting weaker and their forces
are being stretched too thin. Now would be a good time to strike a little fear into what was once
the greatest and strongest nation in the world.

The new Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that it will not be as bad as others have prophesied
that our military will remain the best and strongest. He suggests that after talking to all the service
chiefs that we will not lose a step, will not stumble.

Time will tell just how hard these budget cuts will affect America and every man woman and child
in our great nation. How long will we have to suffer what has been forced upon us, how deep
will we fall and how quickly?

Our country was just beginning to see the light at the end of the fiscal tunnel, there was a small
turn-around starting and the economy was on the mend.

 It was slight and slowly growing, now will the entire house of cards come crashing down? Will
it throw us back into recession? Can it be another great depression? We can only hope not.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

State of Texas- Cold War Medal

Texas State Representative Sarah Davis has introduced a bill H.B. 402 that would authorize a
Cold War Medal to be awarded to a member of the Texas National Guard or the Texas State Guard
who served between Sept. 2, 1945 and Dec. 26, 1991.

The Cold War Medal is to be awarded only if a fee in the amount necessary to cover the costs of awarding the medal is paid to the adjutant general's department.

In other words the veteran would have to buy their own medal. This is something that the American
Cold War Veterans have been saying in regards to a national/federal issued medal, most of us
would be willing to pay the cost of our own medals. Just give us the authorization and necessary
information and certification.

Anyone who lives in Texas please contact your local state representative asking them to cosponsor
H.B. 402 and vote for passage. You might also contact your local state senator asking them to introduce
a similar bill in the senate.

Perhaps one state at a time will provide the impetus for Congress and DoD to finally provide a federal/national Cold War Service Medal.

Louisiana and Alaska have already authorized the Cold War Medal or Ribbon, now if Texas joins them
it just might start the ball rolling. We know that in the past New Jersey has looked at a medal, and the
New York legislature approved a Cold War Service Medal that was vetoed by the governor.

This could be the start, get each state to issue a Cold War Medal and lead on to the federal medal.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

US Military-US Navy vs Russian Navy(Rapidly Expanding)

Russia is on a huge shipbuilding splurge and acting quickly in doing so.

The Russian fleet is more than 300 ships at the present time. You can see a list of the Russian Navy
on the website http://rusnavy.com/nowadays/strength/  yes some of the ships are rather old, but they
have been updated and modernized.

Now the part that should be of interest to every American, and should open some eyes in Congress and
at the Department of Defense:

Russia will add Fifty (50) warships by 2016 which will include 18 surface warships of various ranks
and designation. Also 30 special-purpose and counter-subversion vessels. It also has plans put into operation 6 multi-purpose and strategic submarines.

The statement from the Defense Ministry said "The implementation of the ship building program envisages serial construction along with the introduction of new technical and modernization solutions into each subsequently built warship."

It was also announced that the Russian Navy will receive eighty (80) support vessels which will include tugboats, patrol boats, diving boats, modular search and rescue platforms and floating cranes.

Last year Russia announced  plans to build  over 100 auxiliary ships by 2020, these ships will use
full integration of logistics, technical, and maintenance capabilities. Each ship will be able to perform a wide variety of missions including firefighting and resupply of fuel food, fresh water and munitions.

The U.S. Navy plans-made in early 2012-call for 41 ships in the FY2013-FY2017. That is 16 fewer than planned last year. with an average of 8.2 ships per year. This was with a goal of 310-316 warships.

Of course, with the budget constraints and possible cuts in defense spending; and as our ships
age and are retired we could see a fleet of 290 ships in the near future.

Our nation can not allow our military to fall behind this far this quickly. The Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard are already facing cuts in personnel; some of the cuts will be quite drastic.

Can we dare to become a second class military? Should we allow other countries to grow stronger and risk the possibility of not being able to defend ourselves?

Yes other countries are facing the same problems with finances being cut and defense spending also slowed or drastically reduced.

But we must always remain strong and ready to face any challenge no matter where or when it originates. America can not and must not take the chance.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Blocked

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) said on Thursday that an unnamed Republican Senator last week
blocked a bill that would have provided an annual cost of living adjustment, which means that payments of the new COLA could be delayed.

Senator Murray brought the bill, H.R. 4114 (which passed the House in July) to the Senate floor
on Sept. 21. The bill was cleared by Senate Democrats but was blocked by this unnamed Republican
Senator. So the Senate went into recess without passing the bill.

Once again Congress has stepped on our nation's veterans and one more time shown how little
our Congress thinks of those who served our country.

The bill as passed by the House would have given a cost-of-living-adjustment to 3.9 million veterans
and their survivors a raise in their disability compensation and benefits which is supposed to offset
inflation. Similar bills are usually passed each year with no controversy.

So, now with Congress not scheduled to return to work until Nov. 13, in order for the increase to
show in Jan. 1 checks the bill will have to be passed almost immediately.

Thursday afternoon the Department of Veterans Affairs stated that Congress must pass the
COLA no later than Nov. 13 if the increase is to be included in the Jan 1 checks. If the bill is
passed any later than that the VA would not be able to make all the changes to programming
of their system. Which means the increase would have to be paid retroactively.

This follows the move last week that saw the Veterans Job Corps Act fail to pass. A bill that
would have provided $1 billion to help veterans find employment. Their is now a bill in
the House that would direct the VA to create a Veterans Job Corps.

And so it continues, the ongoing disregard and disrespect for the brave men and women who
have served in our Armed Forces. The Veterans who sacrificed so much for our nation are again
left to hang in the winds of ill will.

America, it is time to say enough! Time to give our veterans what they were promised and what
is fair and just. If your elected officials are not standing up and voting for veterans and our military,
vote them out of office.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Korean War and the U.S. Navy

When we remember the Korean War we usually think only of troops on the ground, or aircraft being
involved.

We do not think about the role the U.S. Navy played and the loss of life and ships and equipment being
damaged by the North Koreans and the aid given to them by the Communists.

So to honor our Navy and the brave sailors who took part, here is a list of ships that were sunk or
damaged. It is quite interesting and rather lengthy.

Remember also that the Korean War was a part of the Cold War. (The often repeated fallacy
-No shots were fired.

Sunk in action ( 5 ships):

USS Magpie (AMS-25) blew up after striking a mine, 21 missingin action and 12 survivors, 29 September 1950.USS Pirate(AM-275) sunk after striking a mine at Wonsan, North Korea, 12October 1950
USS Pledge (AM-277) sunk after striking a mine at Wonsan,North Korea, 12 October 1950.
USS Partridge (AMS-31) sunk after striking a mine, 8 killed,6 seriously wounded, 2 February 1951.
USS Sarsi (ATF-111) sunk after striking a mine at Hungnam,North Korea, 2 killed, 27 August 1952.
Damaged in action ( 87 incidents):
USS Collett (DD-730) damaged by 7 hits with 5 wounded, 13 September 1950

USS Gurke (DD-783) minor damage from 3 hits, no casualties, 13 September 1950
USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) 2 near misses caused 1 killed and 1 wounded, 13 September 1950.USS Brush (DD-745) damaged after striking a mine at Tanchon,North Korea, 9 killed and 10 wounded, 26 September 1950.
USS Mansfield (DD-728) damaged after striking a mine, 5missing and 48 wounded, 30 September 1950.
USS Charles S. Perry (DD-697) damaged by 3 hits from ashore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 23 December 1950.
USS Ozbourn (DD-846) damaged after being hit by a shorebattery at Wonsan, North Korea, 2 casualties, 23 December 1950.
USS Walke (DD-723) extensively damaged after striking amine off the east coast of Korea, 61 casualties, 12 June 1951.
USS Thompson (DMS-38) extensively damaged after being hitby a shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 3 killed and 4 wounded,14 June 1951.
USS Hoquiam (PF-5) slightly damaged after being hit bya shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 1 casualty, 7 May 1951.
USS New Jersey (BB-62) slightly damaged after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 4 casualties, 20 May1951.
USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) minor damage after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 8 casualties, 22 May1951.
USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754) slightly damaged after beinghit by a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 4 casualties, 18June 1951.
USS Henry W. Tucker (DDR-875) superficial damage afterbeing hit by a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 28 June 1951.
USS Everett (PF-8) minor damage after being hit by a shorebattery at Wonsan, North Korea, 8 casualties, 3 July 1951 .USS Helena (CA-75) minordamage after being hit by a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea,2 casualties, 31 July 1951 .
USS Dextrous (AM-341) superficial damage after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 1 killed and 3 wounded,11 August 1951.
USS William Seiverling (DE-441) fireroom flooded afterbeing hit by a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties,8 September 1951.
USS Heron (AMS-18) superficial damage after being hit bya shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties, 10 September1951.
USS Redstart (AM-378) minor damage after being hit by ashore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties, 10 September1951.
USS Firecrest (AMS-10) slight damage after being hit bya shore battery at Hungnam, North Korea, no casualties, 5 October1951.
USS Ernest G. Small (DDR-838) extensive damage after strikinga mine off the East coast of North Korea, 27 casualties, 7 October1951.
USS Renshaw (DDE-499) slight damage after being hit bya shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 1 casualty, 11 October1951.
USS Ulvert M. Moore (DE-442) moderate damage after being hit by a shore battery at Hungnam, North Korea, 3 casualties, 17 October 1951.
USS Helena (CA-75) - slight damage after being hit by ashore battery at Hungnam, North Korea, 4 casualties, 23 October1951.
USS Osprey (AMS-28) considerable damage after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 1 casualty, 29 October1951.
USS Gloucester (PF-22) light damage after being hit bya shore battery at Hongwon, North Korea, 12 casualties, 11 November1951.
USS Hyman (DD-732) minor damage after being hit by a shorebattery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties, 23 November 1951.
USS Crook County (LST-611) superficial damage after beinghit by a shore battery, no casualties, 22 December 1951.
USS Dextrous (AM-341) minor damage after being hit by ashore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 3 casualties, 11 January1952.
USS Porterfield (DD-682) minor damage after being hit bya shore battery at Sokto, North Korea, no casualties, 3 February1952.
USS Endicott (DMS-35) minor damage after 2 hits from ashore battery at Songjin, North Korea, no casualties, 4 February1952.
USS Rowan (DD-782) minor damage after 1 hit from a shorebattery at Hungnam, North Korea, no casualties, 22 February 1952.
USS Shelton (DD-790) moderate damage after 3 hits froma shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 15 casualties, 22 February1952.
USS Henderson (DD-785) minor damage after being hit bya shore battery at Hungnam, North Korea, no casualties, 23 February1952.
USS Wisconsin (BB-64) insignificant damage after 1 hitfrom a shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 3 casualties, 16March 1952.
USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) moderate damage after 1 hitfrom a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 5 casualties, 24March 1952.
USS Endicott (DMS-35) insignificant damage after beinghit by a shore battery at Chongjin, North Korea, no casualties,7 April 1952.
USS Endicott (DMS-35) minor damage after 1 hit from a shorebattery at Songjin, North Korea, no casualties, 19 April 1952.
USS Osprey (AMS-28) minor damage after 1 hit from a shorebattery at Songjin, North Korea, no casualties, 24 April 1952.
USS Cabildo (LSD-16) minor damage after 1 hit from a shorebattery at Wonsan, North Korea, 2 casualties, 26 April 1952.
USS Laffey (DD-724) superficial damage after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties, 30 April1952.
USS Maddox (DD-731) superficial damage after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties, 30 April1952.
USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) superficial damage afterbeing hit by a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties,2 May 1952.
USS James C. Owens (DD-776) considerable damage after 6hits from a shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 10 casualties,7 May 1952.
USS Herbert J. Thomas (DDR-833) superficial damage after1 hit from a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties,12 May 1952.
USS Douglas H. Fox (DD-779) minor damage after 1 hit froma shore battery at Hungnam, North Korea, 2 casualties, 14 May1952.
USS Cabildo (LSD-16) superficial damage after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 2 casualties, 25 May1952.
USS Swallow (AMS-26) slight damage after 3 hits from ashore battery at Songjin, North Korea, no casualties, 25 May 1952.
USS Murrelet (AM-372) slight damage after being hit bya shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, no casualties, 26 May1952.
USS Firecrest (AMS-10) minor damage after hits from machinegun mounts. No casualties, 30 May 1952.
USS Buck (DD-761) motor launch damaged after being hitby a shore battery at Kojo, North Korea, 2 casualties, 13 June1952.
USS Orleck (DD-886) minor damage 1 hit after receiving 50 rounds of 75 mm, 4 casualties, 13 June 1952.
USS Southerland (DDR-743) minor damage after 4 hits from shore batteries, 8 casualties, 14 July 1952
USS John R. Pierce (DD-753) moderate damage after 7 hitsfrom a shore battery at Tanchon, North Korea, 10 casualties, 6August 1952.
USS Barton (DD-722) minor damage after 1 hit from a shorebattery at Wonsan, North Korea, 2 casualties, 10 August 1952.

USS Grapple (ARS-7) minor damage after 1 hit below thewaterline from a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties,12 August 1952.
USS Thompson (DMS-38) minor damage in the vicinity of thebridge after an air burst and near misses from a shore batteryat Songjin, North Korea, 13 casualties, 20 August 1952.
USS Competent (AM-316) superficial damage and lost sweepgear after a shrapnel near miss from a shore battery at Pkg. 4-5,no casualties, 27 August 1952.
USS McDermut (DD-677) superficial damage after receiving60 rounds at 3,700 yards while at Pkg 4-5, no casualties, 27 August1952.
USS Agerholm (DD-826) superficial damage after being hitby a shore battery at the Kangsong, North Korea area bombline,1 casualty, 1 September 1952.
USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754) slight damage from near misses,after receiving 69 rounds, from a shore battery at Tanchon, NorthKorea, no casualties, 8 September 1952.
USS Barton (DD-722) major damage after striking a mine90 miles east of Wonsan, North Korea, 11 casualties, 16 September1952.
USS Alfred A. Cunningham (DD-752) moderate damage from5 hits and 7 air bursts. Received 150 rounds of 105 mm from 3guns. First round was a direct hit at a initial range of 3,500yards. 8 casualties, 19 September 1952

USS Perkins (DDR-877) superficial damage after being straddledby 5 rounds, from a shore battery at range of 5,000 yards, atKojo, North Korea. The ship was sprayed with shrapnel from 2 nearmisses, 18 casualties, 13 October 1952.
USS Osprey (AMS-28) minor damage after being hit by a shorebattery at Kojo, North Korea, 4 casualties, 14 October 1952.
USS Lewis (DE-535) moderate damage from 2 hits after receiving50 rounds from 4-6 guns at Wonsan, North Korea, 8 casualties,21 October 1952.
USS Mansfield (DD-728) minor shrapnel damage after receiving40 rounds from 4 guns. The suspected radar controlled guns straddledthe ship at a range of 4,300-8,000 yards. No casualties, 28 October1952.
USS Uhlmann (DD-687) minor damage from 3 hits after receiving160 rounds from a shore battery, 13 casualties, 3 November 1952.
USS Kite (AMS-22) 1 small boat destroyed by a shore batteryat Wonsan, North Korea, 5 casualties, 19 November 1952.
USS Thompson (DMS-38) minor damage from 1 hit after receiving89 rounds from a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 1 casualty,20 November 1952.
USS Hanna (DE-449) moderate damage from 1 hit after receiving60 rounds from a shore battery at Songjin, North Korea, 1 casualty,24 November 1952.
USS Halsey Powell (DD-686) whaleboat damaged after beinghit by a shore battery at Hwa-do, North Korea, 2 casualties, 6February 1953.
USS Gull (AMS-16) minor damage from 1 hit after receiving60 rounds at a range of 5,400-10,000 yards while at Pkg 2, 2 casualties,16 March 1953.
USS Taussig (DD-746) slight damage from 1 hit after receiving45 rounds at a range of 6,400-10,000 yards, 1 casualty, 17 March1953.
USS Los Angeles (CA-135) slight damage from 1 hit afterreceiving 40 rounds of 105 mm at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties,27 March 1953.
USS Los Angeles (CA-135) minor damage after 1 hit froma shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 13 casualties, 2 April1953.
USS Maddox (DD-731) slight damage from 1-76 mm hit afterreceiving 209 rounds of heavy fire from a shore battery at Wonsan,North Korea, 3 casualties, 16 April 1953.
USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) slight damage from 1 hit afterreceiving 60 rounds of 155 mm at a range of 8,000-12,000 yardsfrom a shore battery near Wonsan, North Korea, 9 casualties, 19April 1953.
USS Maddox (DD-731) moderate damage from 1 hit from a shorebattery at Hodo Pando, North Korea. The ship received 186 roundsof 105 mm and several near misses from 4 guns. No casualties,2 May 1953.
USS Owen (DD-536) minor damage from 1 hit from a shorebattery at Hodo Pando, North Korea. The ship received 100 roundsof 105 mm with 1 near miss and several straddles from 4 guns.No casualties, 2 May 1953.
USS Bremerton (CA-130) superficial damage after 1 nearmiss from a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea. The ship received18 rounds of 76 mm - 135 mm, 2 casualties, 5 May 1953.
USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747) superficial damage from 1hit from a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea. The ship received60 rounds of 90 mm, no casualties, 8 May 1953.
USS Brush (DD-745) minor damage after 1 hit from a shorebattery at Wonsan, North Korea. The ship received 20 rounds of76 mm, 9 casualties, 15 May 1953.
USS Swift (AM-122) superficial damage from 1 hit from ashore battery at Yang-do, North Korea. The ship received 30 roundsof 76 mm, 1 casualty, 29 May 1953.
USS Clarion River (LSMR-409) minor damage after 2 hitsfrom a shore battery at Walsa-ri, North Korea. The ship received30 rounds of 76 mm, 5 casualties, 4 June 1953.
USS Wiltsie (DD-716) superficial damage after 1 hit froma shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea. The ship received 35 roundsof 76 mm with several air bursts, no casualties, 11 June 1953.
USS Henderson (DD-785) superficial damage after being hitby a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, 17 June 1953.
USS Irwin (DD-794) minor damage from 1 hit after receiving90 rounds near Wonsan, North Korea, 5 casualties, 18 June 1953.
USS Rowan (DD-782) moderate damage from 5 hits after receiving45 rounds of 76-155 mm, at 7,500 yards, near Wonsan, North Korea,9 casualties, 18 June 1953.
USS Gurke (DD-783) slight damage from 2 hits and shrapnelfrom 5 near misses after receiving 150 rounds of 76-90 mm, at6,000 to 11,000 yards, near Songjin, North Korea, 3 casualties,25 June 1953.
USS Manchester (CL-83) superficial damage after near missesduring a 30 minute gun duel with a shore battery at Wonsan, NorthKorea, no casualties, 30 June 1953.
USS John W. Thomason (DD-760) minor shrapnel damage afternear misses from 150 rounds of 107 mm from a shore battery atHodo Pando, North Korea, 7 July 1953.
USS Irwin (DD-794) minor damage after 80 rounds of 76 mmair bursts close aboard from a shore battery at Pkg 2, 5 casualties,8 July 1953.
USS Saint Paul (CA-73) severe underwater damage after one76-90 mm hit from a shore battery at Wonsan, North Korea, no casualties,11 July 1953.

Sources consulted:

Cagle, Malcom W. and Frank A. Manson. The Sea War in Korea.Annapolis, MD: United States Naval Institute, 1957.

Silverstone, Paul H. US Warships since 1945. Annapolis,MD: Naval Institute Press, 1987.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Past 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

Authorize and create a Cold War Service Medal

I have created another petition to authorize a Cold War Service Medal. Please use the link below to sign

this petition to recognize and honor our veterans

Cold War Veterans like myself have been denied recognition, respect, and remembrance for too long.

It is past time for our country to say Thank You with a simple

Cold War Service Medal. We should no longer be ignored.

That's why I created a petition to The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, and President Barack Obama, which says:

"Millions of veterans served during the Cold War and never received recognition or any type of award.

Tell Congress to pass S.402, and H.R. 1968 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011.

Tell President Obama to remember his pledge to honor Cold War Veterans, use an Executive Order to create this medal."

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://signon.org/sign/authorize-and-create?source=c.em.cp&r_by=4159666

Thanks!

---- 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

Supreme Court Says NO to Stolen Valor Law

On Thursday the Supreme Court ruled that the Stolen Valor Act of 2006 was an infringement of the
First Amendment protecting free speech.  By a vote of 6-3 the justices decided that it is okay to lie
about military service and honors and awards.

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority "fundamental constitutional principles require that
laws enacted to honor the brave must be consistent with the precepts of the Constitution for which
they fought" and that "statutes suppressing or restricting speech must be judged by the sometimes
inconvenient  principles of the First Amendment."

While the government has an interest in protecting the integrity of the Medal of Honor and other valorous decorations, the Stolen Valor Act was too "sweeping" and "quite unprecedented" in attempting to prosecute people for merely lying, he wrote.

Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, and Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. joined Kennedy in the opinion.

"The statute seeks to control and suppress all false statements on this one subject in almost limitless times and settings," Kennedy's opinion states. "And it does so entirely without regard to whether the lie was made for the purpose of material gain."

Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan ruled the law unconstitutional but left open the possibility they would reconsider if the law was rewritten.

The law was written by U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Colorado, and signed in 2006 by President George W. Bush, making it a federal misdemeanor to falsely represent oneself, in writing or speaking, as having received a military decoration

The opposing opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas said "the right to free speech does not protect false factual statements that inflict real harm and serve no legitimate interest."

They went on to say that the "proliferation of false claims about military awards blur the signal given out
by the actual awards by making them seem more common  than they really are."

A new Stolen Valor Act H.R. 1775 written by Congressman Joseph Heck with 52 cosponsors is in the
House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. And in the Senate is a bill
S.1728 with 2 cosponsors and is in the Committee on Judiciary.

So now it is imperative that we contact our Senators and Representatives and urge them to become
cosponsors to these bills, and that they push to have the bills passed out of committee to the floor
for a full vote.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/06/28/4067435/supreme-court-strikes-down-stolen.html#storylink=cpy

---- 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

National Defense Authorization Act-NDAA and Mystery of The Cold War Medal

The question must be asked! Why has a Cold War Service Medal been authorized and issued?

In 1999 Congress expressed appreciation to Cold War Veterans and decided that a certificate
was in order to honor those who served between Sept. 1945 and Dec. 1991, the era known as
"The Cold War."

This certificate makes no mention of military service and is available to anyone who worked for
the U.S. government during this long struggle to contain Communism. Most veterans did not feel
that this was a just recognition of their service. In fact as of late 2010 only about 2.5 million
certificates were issued. That is out of approximately 25 million veterans, and untold millions of
government employees.

Yet the Department of Defense, and some members of Congress continue to flaunt this in our face
as a thing to be proud of; something all Cold Warriors should want.

The NDAA for 2002 contained a provision for the Cold War Victory Medal, both the Senate
and House approved the bill, and it was signed into law. DoD declared they would not issue
a Cold War Medal.

Then in the NDAA for 2006, 2011 and 2012 provisions were once again written; either by the
House or the Senate in their separate versions of that years NDAA. Sadly these provisions were
removed during the Senate/House conference meetings. When members were asked for reasons
the medal was taken out, no concrete answer was given. Nobody would admit where the blame
lay, and/or why that action was taken.

Over the years there have been a minimum of 20 bills introduced in the Senate and House
(including some that were amendments to the NDAA) that would have authorized a Cold War
Victory/Service Medal. None of them were passed, many had been sent to the Armed Services
Committees of the House and Senate; where these bills sat and gathered dust and allowed to
die. These bills never saw a vote, were not passed out of committee.

Now this year neither the House nor the Senate version of the NDAA contain a mention of a
Cold War Medal.

Our questions are why? How long will these brave men and women be denied? Do people no
longer remember the Cold War and why it was waged? Is there some deep dark secret that
prevents authorizing this medal? Will Cold War Veterans always be shunted aside and swept
into the dust bin?

America stand up now for these forgotten heroes! Do not let them vanish into the dark, dismal
pages of history. And yes, the revisionists continue to attempt to re-write history as if there
never was a Cold War.

Tell your Senators and Representatives to finally recognize and honor those who defended
your freedom. Authorize a Cold War Service Medal. Use the POPVOX links on the
right to contact your elected officials now.

---- 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

Search on Guam for MIA's

POW/MIA TEAM SEARCHES FOR UNACCOUNTED-FOR AMERICANS IN GUAM
Specialized research team searches for World War II service members

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (May 9, 2012) - A specialized investigation team from the U.S. Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) arrived in Guam this week to search for information pertaining to American heroes who remain unaccounted-for from World War II.

“A research and investigative team will be on Guam for about two weeks searching for evidence of approximately 70 U.S. service members who remain unaccounted-for from the Second World War,” said Dr. Rob Thompson, recovery leader for the Hawaii-based team.

Additionally, the seven-person team will develop and authenticate leads from eyewitnesses and conduct field research; JPAC personnel will attempt to locate wreckage, equipment or personal effects to specifically correlate sites to unaccounted-for Americans. This investigation will help set the groundwork for any future recovery teams by clearly defining the work that will be required to properly recover the site.

Individuals with information concerning U.S. losses may contact JPAC directly at http://www.jpac.pacom.mil/index.php?page=jpac&size=100&ind=5

Falling directly under the U.S. Pacific Command and employing more than 400 joint military and civilian personnel, JPAC continues its search for the more than 83,000 Americans still missing from past conflicts.

The ultimate goal of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, and of the agencies involved in returning America’s heroes home, is to conduct global search, recovery and laboratory operations in order to support the Department of Defense’s personnel accounting efforts.

"Until They Are Home"


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

VA Introduces Text Messaging to Expand Efforts to Prevent Suicide

VA Introduces Text Messaging to Expand Efforts to Prevent Suicide

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its efforts to prevent suicide through several new initiatives that increase the availability of services for Veterans, Servicemembers and their families.

The new initiatives include a new, free, confidential text-messaging service in the existing Veterans Crisis Line, introduction of toll-free access from Europe, and collaboration with Vets Prevail and Vets4Warriors, two groups providing crisis help to Veterans, Service members and their families.

“Offering text messaging services will help VA reach more Veterans and their friends and families,” said Dr. Janet Kemp, VA’s national mental health director for suicide prevention.  “We are working to meet their needs by communicating through multiple channels -- over the phone, through online chat, and now via text, which provides quick, easy access to support.  VA wants all Veterans to know that confidential support is only a text message away.”  

Since its founding July 2007, VA’s Veterans Crisis Line and the later Chat Service have received 500,000 calls and engaged in 31,000 chats resulting in over 18,000 rescues of Veterans in immediate crisis.

Now, in addition to the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) and online chat (www.VeteransCrisisLine.net), Veterans and Servicemembers in crisis—and their friends and families—may text free of charge to 83-8255 to receive confidential, personal and immediate support.  The text service is available, like the Veterans Crisis Line and online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and connects a user with a specially trained VA professional -- many who are Veterans themselves.

As a part of the effort to extend VA’s reach, Veterans and members of the military community in Europe may now receive free, confidential support from the European Military Crisis Line, a new initiative recently launched by VA.  Callers in Europe may dial 0800-1273-8255 or DSN 118 to receive confidential support from responders at the Veterans Crisis Line in the U.S. 

VA’s Veterans Crisis Line continues to add external resources to provide Veterans with additional support.   Two of these organizations include Vets Prevail (www.VetsPrevail.org) and Vets4Warriors (www.Vets4Warriors.com).  
In December, Vets Prevail launched a chat service that connects Veterans to caring responders who provide information on a wide variety of resources.  If the Veteran is in crisis or needs mental health support, the conversation is then seamlessly transferred to a VA Veterans Crisis Line responder.  

Vets4Warriors has helped thousands of their peers connect with confidential assistance through a free hotline (1-855-838-8255/1-855-VET-TALK) and online chat (www.Vets4Warriors.com). If a Veteran is in need of professional crisis or mental health support, Vets4Warriors’ responders will transfer the Veteran to a responder at the Veterans Crisis Line.

For more information about VA’s suicide prevention program, visit: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/

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

DoD starts prorating Imminent Danger Pay

DOD Begins Prorating Imminent Danger Pay

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2012 – Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said here today.

The change, which took effect yesterday, was included in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law Dec. 31.

“Members will see the prorated amount in their Feb. 15 pay records,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said.

The act called for DOD to pay service members imminent danger pay only for the time they spend in areas that qualify for the pay. In the past, service members received $225 per month if they spent any time that month in an area where the pay was authorized. “This is a more targeted way of handling that pay,” Kirby said.

Now, service members will receive $7.50 a day for days spent in these areas. Personnel who travel to the designated areas for periods less than 30 days should keep track of the number of days they are in the area to verify that they are paid for the correct number of days, officials said.

The military services are working to waive or remit debts for members who may have been overpaid for January, officials said. The services can waive this “when there is no indication of fraud, fault, misrepresentation, or when members were unaware they were overpaid,” Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.

Proration is based on a 30-day month, which translates into a rate of $7.50 per day. It does not matter if the month is 28 or 31 days long, officials explained; if service members serve in affected areas for the complete month, they will receive the full rate of $225 per month.

The Defense Department defines imminent danger pay areas as places where members are subject to the threat of physical harm or imminent danger because of civil insurrection, civil war, terrorism or wartime conditions.

Service members who come under fire, regardless of location, will receive the full monthly hostile-fire pay amount of $225.

Service members will receive notification of the change via emails, on the MyPay system, on social media sites and via the chain of command.

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

USS Intrepid Sailors Remain May Soon Come Home-NDAA 2012

As a followup to a previous post concerning the USS Intrepid sailors buried in Tripoli.

The recently passed National Defense Authorization Act FY 2012, while dismissing and forgetting Cold War Veterans once again. By removing SEC. 581 of the Senate version of the NDAA. It seems that the continued refusal to honor these veterans is akin to saying that there was no Cold War.

There was one very important provision in the bill that should be applauded. Thanks to the hard
effort and pressure by two Congressmen some of our heroes may be returning home.

Congressmen Frank Lobiondo (R-NJ-02) and Mike Rogers (R-MI-08) insisted that we never forget
those left behind in foreign lands.

Their provision orders the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy to at last begin the
process of returning the remains of 13 brave and dedicated sailors home where they belong.

The NDAA 2012 as passed requires that in no more than 270 days the Department of Defense (DOD)
and the Department of the Navy report back to Congress regarding the feasibility of recovering
the lost commandos.

It will not be an easy task, things that must be taken in consideration include the costs of the
operation, the facts about the incident, historical information and precedent for retrieval. The
report must also include any diplomatic and political issues that will have to be discussed
between the United States and Libya before the bodies can be exhumed. DOD will also be
required to identify Commander Richard Somers, the Commanding Officer and his 12
crew members within two years.

The Navy has resisted efforts in the past to have these heroes repatriated, saying that Tripoli
is the final resting place of the men of the Intrepid and the graves are honored and maintained.

The group that has been leading the charge to have the remains returned claims that the
graves are in danger of falling into the sea.

The Intrepid was in Tripoli harbor attempting to sink some of the pirate ships that were creating
havoc by attacking American shipping. An explosion took place aboard the ship killing all
13 commando aboard, and sinking the ship.

The bodies washed ashore and according to reports were buried in two mass graves, one with
the bodies of three officers and the other contained the crew. Markers placed on the graves were
removed as being an affront to the people of Libya.

Much more information on the long and difficult struggle to have these brave men repatriated
can be found on the website for Remember the Intrepid, and its founder William Kelly, which
can be found at Remember the Intrepid

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

U.S. Ends Mission To Iraq

In a small ceremony today the U.S. mission to Iraq finally came to an end. It was a war that cost
almost 4.5000 American lives and billions of dollars.

The Commander of U.S. forces in Iraq furled his flag during the short ceremony, which signified
the end of his command. The ceremony was attended by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Pannetta,
Army General Martin Dempsey-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Ambassador
James Jeffery.


The last 4,000 troops will depart by this weekend, fulfilling a promise by President Obama to
withdraw all American soldiers by years end.


The U.S. diplomatic mission will still contain about 200 U.S. military personnel to oversee
arms sales and other military exchanges for a while longer.

We wish the nation of Iraq all the best in the coming years. It will not be an easy task, and they
will face huge tasks and challenges. There will be terrorists and others who will seek to destroy
the new government. There is also the likelihood of renewed ethnic and sectarian struggles and
more violence. Plus the fact that Iran is sure to assert more influence in the region is sure to create
more problems for Iraq.

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

Will Russia Aim Its Missiles At US Missile Defense?

Russian President Medvedev has that Russia will move its missiles to border areas, and aim them
at US Missile Defense Sites if the US continues plans for a European missile shield.

Russia has always said that any missiles placed in Europe are considered a threat to Russia and its
nuclear forces. The US maintains that there are meant to deter a possible launch from Iran or other
nations in the region.

Russia has also said that it is possible New Start arms control will become void as Russia will
decide not to continue with the plans already agreed to.

Russia had originally agreed to consider the NATO proposal for the shields to be placed in
Poland and Romania, but talks have reached a stalemate on how the systems would operate.
Russia wants the system to be run jointly, but NATO has rejected that idea.

So as our Congress has failed to reach agreement on the budget, and the Department of Defense
will be facing huge budgetary cuts which could further weaken our military, Russia continues
to bluster and rattle sabers.

We should take the Russian statements at face value, and determine to forge ahead with the
missile shields to protect Europe and America. We can not back down from threats such as
this, I do not believe they are idle threats, and now the Russians want us to bow to their
wishes; something we must not, now or ever, do.

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

Our Defense Budget Cut As Russia Continues Buildup

Russia announced that its Air Force will continue to grow, and will get more than 90 new or
others that have been greatly modernized. This will include both rotary wing and fixed wing
aircraft.

The very large list will consist of 10 Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers, and a number; not specified
at this time of the new Su-35S Flanker E multi-role fighters, and about ten Su-25SM Frogfoot
attack fighters.

There will also be more than 20 attack helicopters including Mi-35 Hind helicopters that have
been revamped and made more modern, in addition to the Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28 Night
Hunter. There will also be 5 heavy lift and about 30 transport helicopters.

Russia claims the newest plane Su-35S is the next generation and is equal to the US F-35.

There is some thought in the US that the number of F-35's will be greatly reduced in the budget
cuts that will have to be made over the next ten years.

Many military leaders have said that the cuts being mandated will create a US military that
could be devastated and unready for future combat missions. New weapon systems will
be scrapped, ships and planes now in service will be forced to operate beyond their
original life service plans.

As Russia and China both continue to enlarge the respective military might can we as a nation
allow our military to become a second class force? Will we be unable to defend ourselves and
meet our obligations around the world?

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