How Do I Get My Cold War Medal?
The Cold War was a significant period in world history, marked by tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted for nearly five decades. Millions of military personnel served during this time, and many were awarded medals for their service. If you served during the Cold War, you may be wondering how to get your Cold War medal. In this article, we’ll provide guidance on how to obtain the medals you deserve.
Eligibility
The first step in obtaining your Cold War medal is to determine your eligibility. Not all Cold War-era medals are available to everyone who served during this time period. To be eligible, you typically must have:
- Served in a branch of the US Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard)
- Served during the Cold War era (roughly 1945-1991)
- Had your service recorded in your military personnel file
Contents
Medals Awarded During the Cold War
There were several medals awarded to military personnel during the Cold War. Here are some of the most common medals:
| Medal | Criteria for Award | Years Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) | Served in the armed forces during the Cold War | 1945-1991 |
| Korean Service Medal (KSM) | Served in Korea during the Korean War | 1950-1953, 1966-1971, 1972-1983 |
| Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) | Served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War | 1959-1964, 1964-1971, 1972-1974 |
| Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) | Member of a unit that meritoriously supported the United States’ interests | Varies |
| Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (KPRUC) | Served with a unit in Korea during a period when the unit received the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation | 1950-1953, 1966-1971, 1972-1983 |
How to Obtain Your Medal
Obtaining your Cold War medal is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Check your personnel file: Review your military personnel file to confirm that your service is documented and that you are eligible for the medals you believe you deserve.
- Research your medals: Research the medals you think you are eligible for, including the criteria for award and the eligibility period. This will help you ensure that you meet the qualifications for each medal.
- File a DD Form 214: Submit a DD Form 214, which is a standardized form used to document your military service, to your branch of the military’s personnel office. This will help your branch verify your service and ensure that your medals are accurate.
- Complete a military decoration application: Complete the necessary military decoration application for each medal you believe you are eligible for. The application will typically require information about your service, such as dates and locations of service.
- Submit your application: Submit your application and supporting documents to your branch of the military’s personnel office for review and processing.
- Receive your medal: Once your application has been processed, you should receive your medal. Your medal will be mailed to you or you may pick it up in person.
Tips for Obtaining Your Medal
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when attempting to obtain your Cold War medal:
- Keep detailed records: Keep detailed records of your military service, including dates and locations of service, unit assignments, and awards or decorations you received. This will make it easier to document your eligibility for each medal.
- Verify your eligibility: Verify your eligibility for each medal by checking your military personnel file and researching the criteria for award.
- File for all relevant medals: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive additional medals. Research all medals for which you may be eligible and file for them in addition to the medal(s) you believe you are most clearly eligible for.
- Be patient: The processing time for your medal can take several weeks or months, so be patient and don’t assume that something has gone wrong if you don’t receive your medal immediately.
Conclusion
Obtaining your Cold War medal is a relatively straightforward process that requires some documentation and research. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of receiving the medals you deserve. Remember to keep detailed records, verify your eligibility, and file for all relevant medals. With patience and persistence, you can receive the recognition you earned for your service during the Cold War.
