There has been some discussion around the Cold War Medal / Ribbon. In 1998, Congress directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a certificate to honor United States Armed Forces members as well as eligible civilians who contributed honorably to the Cold War effort between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991. Those who received the Cold War Recognition Certificate may wish to accompany it with a medal and ribbon, though as an independently created award it is not eligible for wear on military uniforms. In other words, it is good for the shadowbox, not for the uniform. There are a number of Military Veterans retail sites that sell this medal if you wish to purchase it.
Authorization indicated in SecNav Instruction 1650.1H (see below)
http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/Publications/SecNavInst%201650.1H.pdfÂ