I find these imposters very annoying...
I served in the 1970s. I entered the Navy within the time period for the National Defense Service ribbon. I was handed the ribbon by my Division Officer. I looked at it and told him that I preferred not to wear it. I was in bootcamp at the end of the time frame.
He insisted that I wear it on my dress uniforms... After I transferred to another command, the ribbon was retired....
I served in peacetime. I flew off carriers (aircrewman), logging over 300 traps. Dangerous work, but not combat. The closest I came to combat was having my Huey fired on by some ill tempered Cuban as we flew the fence line at night in GTMO. Seeing tracers, we skedaddled post-haste. My only other experience was when my C-1A was parked on the ramp at Beirut airport. Some mortar rounds were fired onto the field. The closest hit was on the other side of the airport. We didn't even notice... The tower informed all aircraft that the airport was closed. Being Military, we were allowed to leave at our own risk. We did so, uneventfully. It's far more dangerous to live in the south side of Chicago...
Many vets served at a time when there was no war, other than the Cold War. They have few medals and ribbons. They did the same job, and were ready to go to war if needed. They were fortunate, not having to experience the trauma of warfare. They did, however, show up for the game.
Once a year, on Veteran's Day, I take out my old Navy G-1 flight jacket (fits mighty tight these days) and my USS Saratoga ball cap, with my AC wings, and join the other vets in the parade in our small home town. That one day a year, a Vet isn't permitted to pay for a beer or lunch.... And now, almost 50 years later, the Vietnam Vets are finally getting the recognition and respect they should have gotten over the many years.
To my fellow vets who served in peacetime or in war, thanks for your sacrifice and service....
