Cold War Recognition Certificate

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Cold War Recognition Certificate

In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen has approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who served the United States anytime during the Cold War era.

On April 5th, the Department of the Army, designated agent for this program, began accepting applications. The response has been overwhelming. Consequently turn-around time for mailing certificates may take as long as 4 months. The CWRS Operations Team is working as fast as possible to clear the backlog. They request that you please do not inquire about your certificate prior to 4 months from your original application date.

About the Certificate

Congress established the Cold War certificate in Section 1084 of the fiscal 1998 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation states in part:

"The Congress finds the following:
During the period of the the Cold War, from the end of World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a global military rivalry.

This rivalry, potentially the most dangerous military confrontation in the history of mankind, has come to a close without a direct superpower military conflict.

Military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, personnel in the intelligence community, members of the foreign service, and other officers and employees of the United States faithfully performed their duties during the Cold War.

Many such personnel performed their duties while isolated from family and friends and served overseas under frequently arduous conditions in order to protect the United States and achieve a lasting peace.

The discipline and dedication of those personnel were fundamental to the prevention of a superpower military conflict."

Who is Eligible

All members of the armed forces and federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States during the Cold War era, September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991 are eligible.

How to Apply

The Army has established a web site http://coldwar.army.mil that explains the correct procedures to request a Cold War Certificate. Application may be made on line, or by mail or fax.

Any request must contain the words "I certify that my service was honorable and faithful" or it will be rejected. Acceptable documentation includes copies of any official government or military document with applicant's name and social security number or military service number or foreign service number, and the date of service. Do NOT send originals because they will not be returned. View a sample letter.

The mailing address for requests for the certificate is:

Cold War Recognition
4035 Ridge Top Road, Suite 400
Fairfax, Virginia 22030-7445

FAX: 1-800-723-9262 or 1-703-275-6749.

For additional information consult the FAQ or call the help desk at 1-703-275-6279.

Above information taken from News Release No. 146-99 and the Cold War Recognition Certificate web site.