It was a time marked by global mistrust, paranoia, and fear. Families built bomb shelters, and schools and businesses practiced duck-and-cover drills in the event of a nuclear attack.
No, this isn’t the plotline for a dystopian political thriller.
It was a 45-year span in our nation’s history between 1947 and 1991 known as the Cold War. And although we never engaged in a physical war with the Soviet Union, those who served in our U.S. military during this tumultuous period made many sacrifices to keep our nation and the world safe.
If you served in the military between 1945 and 1991, you are eligible to receive a Cold War Recognition Certificate to honor your military service. Keep reading to learn more about the Cold War and how to get your certificate.
Why Was it Called the Cold War?
The fall of the Russian empire eventually led to the formation of the USSR—the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
From 1921 until the end of WWII, the USSR was comprised of fifteen national republics spanning much of Eurasia. After the war, several other European countries were annexed into the Soviet bloc, including half of Germany.
With the USSR’s power headquartered in Moscow and operating under Communist rule, the Soviet state held onto power through corruption, secrecy, and gross propaganda.
Worried that the Russians would try to bring communism to the rest of the world, the United States and other European allies took a stand against the growing and powerful USSR.
This stand resulted in what is called the “Cold War.” With an abundance of available nuclear weapons on both sides, the USSR and the USA were too afraid to fight each other directly. So, instead, both sides fought each other indirectly by being on opposing sides in conflicts in different parts of the world.
If life in the USSR is so great, why do you need a wall to keep people inside?
Former U.S. Captain Mike Geraci remembers the Cold War as a time of being on constant alert. From 1982-1984 he served as the military intelligence officer for the 1-6 Infantry Battalion assigned to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in charge of the East German border sector. Their mission was to gather intelligence on Soviet troop movements.
“It was common to go on alert 2-3 times a month,” Captain Geraci said. “During an alert, we would prepare as if we were going to combat, loading up on ammunition, equipment, and living supplies for a 3-day mission. Our position was so close to the other side that we could make out the faces of the East German border patrols. It wasn’t until the alert was called off that we would know it was only a drill.”
During his deployment, Captain Geraci had an opportunity to visit East Berlin. After passing through Checkpoint Charlie, he encountered a Russian soldier who seemed eager to talk about how great things were going in the Soviet Union.
“Then why do you guys have a wall?” Captain Geraci asked him, referring to the Berlin Wall that separated West and East Germany.
“To keep out the imperialist pigs from the west,” said the Russian soldier.
Captain Geraci replied, “If things are so great in East Germany, how come the only direction anyone tries to escape is out?”
The East German soldier didn’t have a response.
The End of the Cold War
“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
Those famous words said by President Ronald Reagan in a speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in 1989 marked the beginning of the end for the Soviet Union. By then, the once mighty USSR had slipped into economic decline.
Eventually outspent by the west in what some refer to as the “arms race,” and with lowering morale, the Soviet Union fell apart, and the Cold War ended in 1991.
Who is Eligible for a Cold War Recognition Certificate?
All former members of the armed forces and federal government civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era from Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26, 1991. You must have served at least one day during this period to qualify for the certificate.
How Do I Get my Cold War Recognition Certificate?
You must send a copy of your application and supporting documentation via mail (no online applications accepted). To print out an application and for complete instructions, please go HERE.
The certificate is free and availability is limited, so don’t delay.
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