Cold War Certificate Program

https://coldwar.army.mil

In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991.

This is the only official site on which to request Cold War Recognition Certificates.  This site is operated by the United States Army, the executive agency for the Cold War Recognition Program.  Cold War Recognition Certificates are available to qualified individuals at no cost.  Any other site offering these certificates or replicas for sale or purchase are not official sites and are not approved or endorsed by the US Army.

Due to the remarkable success of this program, turn-around time for mailing certificates will be a minimum of 6 months.  The CWRS Operations Team is working as fast as possible to clear the backlog.  Please do not request feedback prior to 6 months from the request date.  Thank you for your patience and interest in the Cold War Recognition program.

Who is eligible?

All members of the armed forces and federal government civilian personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991.  Individuals requesting a certificate will certify that their character of service was honorable.   Acceptable supporting document for proof of service is any official government or military document with recipient's name, Social Security Number or Military Service Number or Foreign Service Number, and date of service.

Apply for the Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Preview Certificate

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Certificate Application

To apply for a certificate you must have been a U.S. government employee during the period of the Cold War.  See the FAQ for full details.  Follow these instructions to submit your application.  

An acceptable supporting document includes any official government or military document that contains the recipient's name, Social Security Number or Military Service Number or Foreign Service Number, and a date showing at least one day of service during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991).

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Frequently Asked Questions

The answer to your question may be listed below.  Please read through the following FAQs before contacting us.

Why are online applications no longer available?

• The recent increase in DoD-wide computer system security has reduced access to the CWRS Web Site online applications.   A new printable application form replaces the online application.

Is this for real?

• Yes.  In the 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States any time during the Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945, through Dec. 26, 1991.
   
• Applicants must certify that their service was "faithful and honorable", and they must supply a copy of a supporting document which proves that they served during the Cold War era.  The certificate may be awarded posthumously to those whose relatives apply on their behalf.
   
• There is no charge for a Cold War Recognition Certificate.  Note that no medal has been authorized or issued for Cold War Recognition.
   
• The program is scheduled to run for 10 years, so there is plenty of time to send in your request and supporting document.

Who is eligible for a certificate?

• Anyone who worked for the U.S. Government at any time during the Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945 through Dec. 26, 1991, is eligible, provided their service to the country was faithful and honorable.
   
• National Guard and Reservists are eligible.
   
• Contractors and volunteers are not eligible.
    
• Those who are currently active duty military or civilian employees of the U.S. government are also eligible if they had at least one day of service during the Cold War era.

How do I request a certificate?

• Fill out the new printable application and mail or fax to the Cold War Office with your proof of service.  An acceptable supporting document includes any official government or military document that contains the recipient's name, Social Security Number or Military Service Number or Foreign Service Number, and a date showing at least one day of service during the Cold War era (September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991).
   
• If you are unable to print the application you may submit a signed and dated letter containing the same information as the application (full name, address, identification including type (SSN, MSN, or FSN), applicant name if different from recipient, and email address (if available)).  You must include the phrase "I confirm my faithful and honorable service to the nation during the Cold War Era."

How do I print the application?

• The new application form permits on-screen entry of your request information but must be printed.  Online submission of the application is no longer possible.  To print the application you must use the print command in your web browser which is usually found under the File menu.  If you click on the File menu you should see the option "Print" appear.  Select "Print", then click "Ok".  Due to differences in the different type of web browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, etc), you may need to use different menu items to print.  Consult your browser's help section for details.
   
• If you are unable to print the application you may submit a signed and dated letter containing the same information as the application (full name, address, identification including type (SSN, MSN, or FSN), applicant name if different from recipient, and email address (if available)).  You must include the phrase "I confirm my faithful and honorable service to the nation during the Cold War Era."

• Any document which shows that the intended recipient was a U.S. government employee during the Cold War era will be accepted as proof.  The document must contain the name of the recipient, the Social Security Number or Military Service Number or Foreign Service Number which was included in the request for the certificate, and a date showing at least one day of service within the range of Sept. 2, 1945 and Dec. 26, 1991.
   
• Examples of acceptable documents include a Leave and Earnings statement, DD214 or other Discharge Paper, or SF50 (Civilian Personnel Action Form.)
   
• Please send a copy of your supporting document, DO NOT SEND the original document.  Original documents cannot be returned.

• Military Service Numbers (MSN) were issued to members of the armed forces before Social Security Numbers (SSN) were used to identify personnel.  The changeover to Social Security Numbers occurred in the late 1960’s, so many retirees who are eligible for the certificate may have only a Military Service number on their supporting document.
   
• The Foreign Service Number (FSN) is used to maintain records for foreign nationals employed by the US government and who do not have Social Security Numbers.
   
• NOTE: The number supplied in your initial request, be it SSN, MSN, or FSN, must match the number supplied on your supporting document.

• Yes.  You must supply a POC with email address and DSN phone number, the name and identification number (SSN) for each of the applicants, and the request must be signed by an O-4 /GS-13 or higher.  The request must also include certification that all applicants served honorably during the Cold War era.  Upon receipt of large group requests the Cold War Office may contact your POC to provide detailed instructions for an electronic submission.
   
• The certificates will be mailed to the address provided.

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