The U.S. Congress has previously "recommended" a Cold War Service Medal, but the DOD elected to only authorize and issue a Cold War Certificate. This certificate can be awarded to any federal employee (including military and civilian) that served during the Cold War. A Cold War (Military) Service Ribbon would recognize Honorable U.S. Military Service during the Cold War. Any military veteran or service member (Active, Reserve or National Guard) would be eligible if they are awarded a Cold War Certificate and have Honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Cold War period (Sept 2, 1946 to December 26, 1991).

Congress and DOD have resisted a Cold War Medal because of cost. A Cold War Service Ribbon will not be issued, nor would it be required to be updated in records to wear. Proof of entitlement would be a Cold War Certificate and DD 214 or Honorable Discharge issued for or during the Cold War period of service. It should rank just below the Armed Forces Service Medal. Civilian Federal employees would not be entitle this award due to their civilian employment only. They would be entitled if they meet the criteria above though Honorable military service. (This will meet the ZERO COST goal for DOD and Congress).

The states of Louisiana, Texas and Alaska have approved Cold War Service Medals and/or Ribbons for their National Guard forces. Recommend other state National Guards seek similar recognition from their states.

Many Cold War veterans were never awarded any ribbons for their service. There are gaps in the National Defense Service Medal and the other awards like the Army Service Ribbon and Air Force Training Ribbon did not exist earlier in the Cold War.