Cold War Recognition

Soldiers Magazine, April, 2004 by William F. Sims

IN the May 2003 centerfold titled "Soldiers in Korea," the text states that awards for Korean War service include, in order of precedence, "the National Defense Service Medal (1953) for Cold War service...."

The NDSM was NOT awarded for Cold War service, as the caption states. It was awarded for Korean War-era service from 1950 through 1954, as well as for Vietnam-era service from 1960 through 1974. The medal languished for 16 years before being revived for service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and again for post 9-11 military service.

Opponents of a Cold War victory award (ribbon or medal) use the fact that the NDSM was awarded during the Cold War as an excuse for not creating a Cold War victory award. To say that a Cold War victory award of some type is unnecessary because the NDSM was awarded during the Cold War is a slap in the face for those who served during the Cold War but who did not receive the NDSM.

William F. Sims

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