Salute!
May seem funny, but after a few years of "not so cold war" in SEA, the U.S. cranked out a ribbon, not a decoration, but a "service ribbon". We who had been over there and got shot at and had actual decorations, did not whine and moan, but simply called it "alive in '65".
That being said, all must realize that less than 10% of service members actually shoot or get shot at. So there was no bad feelings about that "National Defense Service Medal", even tho it wasn't a real "medal".
The real cold war involving nuclear armed planes and missile silos are a different matter, and to this day I cannot come up with some way to honor the millions that stood alert above and below the ground and sea, fixed the jets, watched radar screens for hours and so forth.
We should tip our hats and simply say "thanks".
Gums sends...