United States Armed Forces Southwest Asia Service Medal, an American campaign medal established by Executive Order 12754 on 12 March 1991 to recognise qualifying military service during operations in Southwest Asia, including Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The award covers eligible service between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995, encompassing the build-up to the 1991 Gulf War, the liberation of Kuwait and subsequent ceasefire operations. It was available to qualifying personnel across the United States Armed Forces who served in designated areas of the Middle East and surrounding waters in support of the specified military operations.
The bronze medal features a composite desert and maritime scene, incorporating a tank, armoured personnel carrier, helicopter, camels, ship, tanker and aircraft. The central inscription reads “SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE”. The reverse depicts an upright sword entwined with a palm frond, surrounded by the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. The ribbon has a predominantly sand-coloured background with black, green, red, white and blue stripes, representing the desert theatre, the United States and coalition forces. Three designated campaigns are recognised: Defence of Saudi Arabia, Liberation and Defence of Kuwait, and Southwest Asia Cease-Fire. This medal is of interest to collectors of United States military decorations, Gulf War memorabilia and modern American campaign medals
Condition
As new
