The Armed Forces have a unique place in society. Their profession requires them regularly to place their lives at risk in the service and defence of our country. They are subject to a special legal code, are required to engage in operations anywhere and at any time as directed by the Government of the day, and forego many rights and freedoms enjoyed by civilians. No other profession faces these rigours and constraints. Too many have served without official recognition. Examples are; Berlin Airlift, Post WW2 Peacekeepers (active service to 1955), National Service, Post Armistice Korea, Nuclear Test Veterans, Conflicts such as Cyprus with GSM Qualification of 120 days, IRA Victims on UK or European mainland, Cold War the list goes on. Find out more at: http://www.nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/NDM_UK