what do you think of when you hear the term"decorated war veteran"or just "decorated veteran"?

Question

every one who serves in the military get ribbons and some medals.
so is it really meaningful when the term is used without saying what they recieved?

Answer 1

Excellent question Earl...and one without a definite answer, but let me take a crack at it.

The real, solid term in your question is veteran. I think we all agree: one who has served in the armed forces.

You are dead on--we receive a lot of awards. Ribbons, medals, etc. Some are considered "decorations" and some are not. By unwritten rule, if the award has the word MEDAL in it, it is a decoration. For example, my Air Force Training Ribbon is NOT a decoration...but my Meritorious Service Medal is.

So--by definition, if I have been awarded a decoration, I am a decorated veteran.

Decorated WAR veteran would be someone who was awarded a MEDAL (not a ribbon) while serving in theater. Here's where it gets a little less clear. I served in Kuwait during Operation Southern Watch. I was at a base that did not get fired upon while I was there, and I worked on a well-protected flightline. While serving there, I earned an Air Force Commendation Medal and the Expeditionary Service Medal.

Now by definition, Kuwait was a war zone at that time (I received hostile fire pay while stationed there), but I would clearly NOT classify myself as a decorated war veteran. I believe that distinction belongs to those who have worked under fire and earned decorations like the bronze star.

There would be those who would argue with me

Answer 2

From a Combat Vet (US Army).....I concur with Teachmepme.....Well said!


Excellent question Earl...and one without a definite answer, but let me take a crack at it.

The real, solid term in your question is veteran. I think we all agree: one who has served in the armed forces.

You are dead on--we receive a lot of awards. Ribbons, medals, etc. Some are considered "decorations" and some are not. By unwritten rule, if the award has the word MEDAL in it, it is a decoration. For example, my Air Force Training Ribbon is NOT a decoration...but my Meritorious Service Medal is.

So--by definition, if I have been awarded a decoration, I am a decorated veteran.

Decorated WAR veteran would be someone who was awarded a MEDAL (not a ribbon) while serving in theater. Here's where it gets a little less clear. I served in Kuwait during Operation Southern Watch. I was at a base that did not get fired upon while I was there, and I worked on a well-protected flightline. While serving there, I earned an Air Force Commendation Medal and the Expeditionary Service Medal.

Now by definition, Kuwait was a war zone at that time (I received hostile fire pay while stationed there), but I would clearly NOT classify myself as a decorated war veteran. I believe that distinction belongs to those who have worked under fire and earned decorations like the bronze star.

There would be those who would argue with me

Source(s):

decorated veteran--but NOT a decorated war veteran

Answer 3

There is a difference between War - ie the definition of which is looking down the barrel of your rifle and seeing the enemy at the bottom of it wearing a uniform NOT civilian clothing. That is a WAR-VETERAN,

A decorated veteran will be those serving in Iraq and AFGHANISTAAN today. These, although classed by the fact spinning media moguls are NOT Wars in the conventional term becasue the enemy is not wearing a uniform.

For a simple enough analogy - the world though UK and Ireland were "at war" yet NOT one soldier was awarded the Victoria Cross, yet, an explosive officer, as well as the entire Royal Ulster Constabulary Force (Police) were awarded the highest PEACE-TIME medal - the George Cross for services during the 30 years of "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland.

The Victoria Cross was awarded to Col H Jones who died during the Falklands War - the distinction being that BOTH armies wore uniforms, and it was fought as a WAR because Argentina invaded the Falklands which belonged to the UK.

George Crosses have been awarded already to soldiers serving in AFGHANISTAN and Iraq, yet, arguably, it should have been Victoria Crosses they DESERVED for thier actions...

Answer 4

Well, you can assume if they are a decorated war veteran they may have earned some of their medals in combat, or at least did part of their service in another part of the world to defend our country.
People in the military generally do get medals just for going somewhere, but also for achievements (individual or group), so in any case, it is all meritorious.
I don't think anyone would be calling a Private for example, a "decorated veteran."
I think, for people who really care about these things, it has a lot of meaning.

Answer 5

Most of the ribbons or medals on a military uniform are from the places they have served. A flag like square patch of flags show this. Some medals are for more of the regular military achievements. When you call someone decorated, you usually are talking about someone who has a major medal. Silver Star, Congressional Medal of Honor.

Answer 6

It's in the phrase: WAR veteran. Decorated WAR veterans won some/all of their awards during the WAR in combat. Decorated veterans won their awards either during peace time or they didn't go into combat.
Friend of mine was a nuclear fast attack submarine commanding officer (until he put on the rank of Captain) and he has several awards that were not issued to him during war or combat. He is a DECORATED veteran...or will soon be when he retires in '08.

Answer 7

Decorated pertains to any award or ribbon earned such as Good Conduct, National Defence Ribbon.
Decorated War Vet, means awards such as Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Cross of Gallantry

Answer 8

The term "veteran" is the only part that means anything to me. Why? Well It shows that someone gave something back to this great country of ours. Today too many people take for granted what past generations have fought so hard to attain for all of us. I am proud to say that I am a veteran.

Answer 9

I guess the difference is that one has received his decoration in a war & the other did not received his in war.
Most of the decorations received by someone mentioned in the news that I have read/seen/heard about mentions what the decorations were & why the person received them.

Answer 10

A decorated war veteran is one who has awards for gallantry in battle while a decorated veteran is one who is multi-awarded for acts garrison duty.