COMMENDATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN PERSONNEL WHO SERVED DURING THE COLD WAR; CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION.

SEC. 1084. COMMENDATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN PERSONNEL WHO SERVED DURING THE COLD WAR; CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION. (a) Findings.—The Congress finds the following: (1) During the period of 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. (2) This rivalry, potentially the most dangerous military confrontation in the history of mankind, has come to a close without a direct superpower military conflict. (3) 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. (4) 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. (5) The discipline and dedication of those personnel were fundamental to the prevention of a superpower military conflict.111 STAT. 1920 (b) Congressional Commendation.—The Congress hereby commends the members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Government who contributed to the historic victory in the Cold War and expresses its gratitude and appreciation for their service and sacrifices. (c) Certificates of Recognition.—The Secretary of Defense shall prepare a certificate recognizing the Cold War service of qualifying members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and other Government agencies contributing to national security, as determined by the Secretary, and shall provide the certificate to such members and civilian personnel upon request.