Iraq Campaign Medal

The Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) is a military award established to recognize U.S. service members who have served in support of operations in Iraq. Below is a detailed overview including its criteria, regulations, history, and notable recipients. ### History The Iraq Campaign Medal was first authorized by executive order on November 29, 2004, in recognition of service during operations in Iraq. Its creation was part of a broader series of campaign medals aimed at honoring those who participated in specific military campaigns. ### Criteria and Eligibility To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, service members must meet the following requirements: - **Length of Service**: Service members must have been permanently assigned, attached, or detailed to a unit operating in the Area of Eligibility (AOE) for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days. Alternatively, they may qualify if they participated in a combat engagement regardless of time in the AOE, were killed, or received wounds requiring medical evacuation from the AOE. - **Area of Operations**: The AOE for the ICM encompasses all land area of Iraq, its contiguous waters up to 12 nautical miles, and the airspace above. - **Approved Military Operations**: The medal covers a range of specific operations carried out in Iraq as part of the Global War on Terrorism, notably Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 19, 2003, to December 31, 2011, and Operation New Dawn from September 1, 2010, to December 31, 2011【4:5†source】【4:11†source】. ### Award Elements The medal comprises a full-size medal and a ribbon. Unlike some awards, no formal citation or certificate is issued upon receipt of the ICM. Subsequent awards for participation in different authorized operations are denoted by wearing a bronze star on the ribbon (with a silver star representing five bronze stars)【4:4†source】【4:16†source】. ### Notable Recipients While many service members have been awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal, specific noteworthy recipients often include those who have distinguished themselves in combat or in support roles. However, detailed names and stories of individual notable recipients may not be as prominently documented as in other military awards. Nonetheless, military officers involved in key operations, such as commanding officers during the height of the Iraq War, prominently displayed this medal as part of their service records. ### Other Important Information - **Limitations**: Service members cannot receive both the ICM and another campaign or expeditionary medal for the same period within the same AOE【4:4†source】【4:11†source】. - **Awarding Authority**: Commanding officers who have the authority to award the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) may also issue the ICM, ensuring proper entries are made in service records【4:5†source】【4:4†source】. - **Related Medals**: The ICM is part of the broader set of campaign medals intended to recognize those involved in significant military operations. For instances where other service branches were involved, relevant medals like the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) may apply for combined operations. In conclusion, the Iraq Campaign Medal stands as a symbol of recognition for service members who supported critical missions in Iraq, reflecting their commitment and sacrifice in a significant military effort.