Description & Criteria
The Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) is a military award established by the Government of Saudi Arabia to recognize the contributions of individuals who participated in the liberation of Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991. Here are the detailed aspects of this award:
**History**:
The Kuwait Liberation Medal was created to honor coalition forces that participated in Operation Desert Storm, which aimed to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait following the invasion in August 1990. The award signifies recognition from the Saudi government for the valor and service of foreign military personnel who contributed to the successful campaign during the conflict.
**Eligibility Criteria**:
The Kuwait Liberation Medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who directly participated in Operation Desert Storm between January 17, 1991, and February 28, 1991. Key points regarding eligibility include:
- Personnel must have participated in combat operations or provided direct support, including those stationed in designated areas related to the conflict.
- Individuals who served in support roles (like logistical support) within the theater of operations may also be eligible, provided their service directly supported combat operations.
**Award Components**:
The medal includes a full-sized medal and a ribbon. However, no citation or certificate will be issued upon receiving the award. Service members recognized with this medal may wear it along with other achievements.
**Notable Recipients**:
The medal has been awarded to a wide range of military personnel who served during the Gulf War, including members of various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Specific notable recipients or large cohort recognitions are typically recorded but not individually detailed in the prevalent regulatory texts.
**Regulations and Procedures**:
The award falls under specific regulations outlined by the Department of Defense and the standards governed by military protocol, including documentation and issuance procedures that commanding officers must adhere to for proper authorization and record-keeping.
In summary, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) serves as a prominent recognition for U.S. service members who played a crucial role in liberating Kuwait during the Gulf War, reflecting both historical significance and international military cooperation.