The Cold War Recognition Certificate is available for any veteran and government employee who served honorably between Sept. 2nd, 1945 and Dec. 26th, 1991. From the Army HRC website:
In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 19
98 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding the Cold War Recognition Certificate (CWRC) 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, are eligible.
The certificate is a nice addition to a shadow box, or a wall of honor. Many young people have little understanding of the Cold War; the anxiety and tension that were prevalent up until the late 1980s. The certificate is a good way to answer those question that the younger generation may have about the military during the Cold War.
Information and the application to apply for the Cold War Certificate can be found on the Army’s HRC (Human Resources Command) website, which can be found here: Army Human Resource Command
While there, a veteran can also search for other awards that may be available. During my search, I found that my unit was awarded the Army Superior Unit Ward in 1992. I applied for a correction of my DD214 on 3/26/17, and still have not received a response. Corrections of records may take up to 12 months, and it seems the Army is using up every bit of that time.