Urging the president of the United States to modify Executive Order 8808 so as to authorize the award of the American Defense Service Medal to members of the United States armed forces who served on active duty after September 1, 1945, and before December 27, 1991.
If adopted, HR1591 would offer formal recognition to Cold War veterans by opening a pre-existing medal to honor their service. This could significantly improve the morale and pride of veterans, providing them with a tangible acknowledgment of their contributions during a time of heightened military readiness. The measure aims to unify various veterans' organizations, including the American Legion and AMVETS, which have advocated for more definitive acknowledgments of service during the Cold War.
House Resolution 1591 urges the President of the United States to amend Executive Order 8808 to extend eligibility for the American Defense Service Medal to military personnel who served on active duty from September 1, 1945, to December 27, 1991. This resolution highlights the recognition that Cold War veterans are seeking, as many feel that the current Cold War Recognition Certificate provided by the Department of Defense is insufficient to honor their service. The resolution emphasizes the arduous and dangerous demands placed on military personnel during the Cold War, despite it being characterized more by ideological confrontation than direct conflict.
There may be challenges regarding costs and implementation. The Pentagon has resisted creating a new medal, citing concerns over expenses. However, supporters of HR1591 argue that amending the existing American Defense Service Medal's eligibility would incur minimal costs while still fulfilling the desire of veterans for formal recognition. The resolution aims to reconcile the cost concerns of high-ranking military officials with the calls for acknowledgment from veterans' groups.
The resolution recalls how similar medals were redefined in the past to accommodate veterans from different eras, suggesting a precedent for this kind of action. It underscores the importance of honoring military service in a way that aligns with historical context and veterans’ expectations, potentially opening doors for broader legislative efforts to recognize other service periods.