Southwest
Asia Service Medal
1991-Present
This
medal was awarded for participation
in, or support of Operation Desert Shield and/or Desert Storm.
(Beginning
in 1991). It was originally instituted in 1992.
Bronze
stars are worn on
the ribbon to indicate campaign participation by the service member.
Three
campaigns have been designated - - "DEFENSE OF SAUDI ARABIA" for the
period
2 August 1990 through 16 January 1991, "LIBERATION AND DEFENSE OF
KUWAIT"
for the period 17 January 1991 through 11 April 1991, and "SOUTHWEST
ASIA
CEASE- FIRE" for the period 12 April 1991 through 30 November 1995.
The
medal was designed by
Miss Nadine Russell and recognizes the joint-service nature of the
operation.
It depicts a tank, armored personnel carrier, helicopter, ship and
aircraft
with a desert and seascape. The reverse side symbolized military might
and preparedness in defense of peace. The sand colored ribbon with red,
white, blue, green and black stripes represented the colors of the
United
States and the coalition members
This
medal was produced by
Graco company, and is in perfect condition.
The
drape is held with a
crimp brooch marked DRACO-GI, and the medal has a glossy factory finish
which does not appear in the scan. I often see this finish on Army Good
Conduct medals
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