[LenS]

Well, a lot of soldiers have died or been wounded along the DMZ. But most of that occurred from the end of the war to the early 80's. By my tour in 1988-89, it was a very quiet border. Probably because the North used tunnels, subs and travel through other countries to infiltrate the South -- much more efficient than trying to cross through the heavily armed DMZ.

[Hoplite]

I concur in your assessment that honorable deeds have been committed by our comrades in Korea - what I take exception to is that we are being honored for their deeds, however indirectly, through the issuance of this medal.

I wasn't there when the NK's were ambushing convoys around Kitty Hawk, nor was I there when the Russian defected in the JSA and triggered a firefight in the sunken garden - I was in Korea when we invaded Panama, and still there when we got it on with Saddam during round one in the desert. I have a medal from Desert Storm which I figure I earned by watching CNN (Nat. Def. Svc.), and which consequently means nothing to me.

On the other hand, I have an EIB which means something to me because it cost me some amount of effort and suffering.

This medal we're talking about cost me nothing, so it means nothing to me - fruit salad is viewed in the bad light it is because of these "thanks for coming" medals, and it's that aspect of this piece of ribbon that I'm taking exception to.

I have a bud who earned a Bronze Star in Afghanistan - which would be great, except he's kind of miffed about it 'cause he doesn't figure he did anything but show up. Comparing that to another soldier I know (served under) who earned one for chasing down some VC in a rubber plantation with an M-60, no less, and I hope you see what I'm getting at.