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Australian Active Service Medal

The Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) is an Australian military decoration that recognizes prescribed service in warlike operations.

The Australian Active Service Medal (or AASM) is an Australian military decoration created to recognize prescribed service in warlike operations, backdated to February 1975 and authorized on 13 September 1988.

The medal is awarded with a clasp to denote the prescribed operation and subsequent awards of the medal are made in the form of additional clasps. In 2012, it was announced that the medal would no longer be issued for future operations, and was replaced by the Australian Operational Service Medal.

The following clasps were authorised for issue with the AASM: Balkans, Cambodia, East Timor, ICAT, Iraq, Kuwait, Middle East, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Vietnam.

Australian Active Service Medal Design

The AASM is a circular nickel-silver medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse has a Federation Star within a wreath of mimosa and bears a laurel wreath surrounding the inscription ‘FOR ACTIVE SERVICE’.

The medal ribbon is 32 millimetres wide and has a central red stripe to symbolize the danger of warlike operations. It is flanked by stripes of silver-green which in turn are flanked by stripes of light green, gold, dark green and brown. The ribbon bar consists of a strip of full-sized ribbon with no emblem.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Canada)

The Gulf and Kuwait Medal as a Canadian medal created in 1990 to recognize the Canadian Forces who had directly participated in the Gulf War.

The Gulf and Kuwait Medal (or Médaille du Golfe et du Koweït in French) was a Canadian campaign medal created in 1990 by the monarch-in-Council to recognize members of the Canadian Forces who had directly participated in the Gulf War, either in the hostilities themselves or during the troop build-up prior to the invasion of Iraq.

The medal is, within the Canadian system of honors, the third highest of the war and operational service medals. Queen Elizabeth II, on the advice of her Cabinet under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, created the medal to recognize members of the Canadian Forces. To qualify for the medal, individuals had to have served for 30 consecutive days between 2 August 1990 and 27 June 1991 in the region of the Persian Gulf, and those who for a minimum of one day engaged in direct combat with the enemy during the offensive that lasted from 16 January to 3 March 1991 were entitled to receive the additional medal bar.

In total, 4,436 medals were issued, along with 3,184 bars.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Canada) Design

The medal was designed by Bruce W. Beatty. It measures 36 millimeters (1.4 in) diameter and is a rhodium plated tombac disc.

The obverse bears the Latin words ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen) and CANADA surrounding an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing her roles as both fount of honor and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces. On the reverse is a laurel wreath with a maple leaf at its base encircling the words: GULF AND KUWAIT • 1990-1991 • LE GOLFE ET KUWAIT.

This medallion is worn at the left chest, suspended on a 31.8mm wide ribbon colored with vertical stripes in light blue, scarlet and dark blue, symmetrically flanking a sand colored central stripe. Originally, the Gulf and Kuwait medal was to have coincidentally had the same ribbon as the British Gulf Medal.

Should an individual already possessing a Gulf and Kuwait Medal be awarded the medal cupro-nickel and bearing a maple leaf bar for combat service, for wear on the ribbon from which the original medal is suspended.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Bahrain)

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Bahrain) was an award given to members of Bahrain’s military for service during the First Gulf War.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Bahrain version) was an award given to members of Bahrain’s military for service during the First Gulf War, 1990–91.

Bahrain played a limited but active role in the gulf war. Its ground forces were among the 3,000 Peninsula Shield force of the GCC (exclusive of Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti troops) that were assigned to a support role during Operation Desert Storm as part of Joint Forces Command East. Bahrain was the primary coalition naval base and was the point of origin for coalition air operations against Iraqi targets.

Bahraini pilots joined other members of the coalition in flying strikes into Iraq. Three Scud missiles were aimed at Bahrain during the war. Only one landed in the country, and it did not hit a target area. There were no Bahraini combat deaths in the war.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Bahrain) Design

The medal is struck in bronze and mounted for wear on broach.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (UAE)

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait was an award given to members of the UAE’s military for service during the First Gulf War, 1990–91.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (UAE version) was an award given to members of the UAE’s military for service during the First Gulf War, 1990–91. This medal was issued in very limited numbers.

The UAE’s armed forces have engaged in numerous wars since inception. During the Persian Gulf War, UAE troops, reportedly numbering several hundred, participated in the conflict as part of the GCC Peninsula Shield force that advanced into the city of Kuwait. United States aircraft bombed Iraqi positions from the UAE, and United States ships operated out of UAE ports. The UAE Air Force also carried out strikes against Iraqi forces. A total of six UAE combat deaths were reported as a result of the fighting.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (UAE) Design

The medal is gold-coloured gilt on metal with enamels. It measures 38.3 mm. The ribbon comes with a pinback.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Kuwait)

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait was an award issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (or Wisam Al-Tahrir وسام التحرير‎ in arabic) was an award issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign, 1990–91.

The medal was approved by the Kuwait Council of Ministers for award in five classes, generally according to the rank of the recipient. The medal was offered by the Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces on July 16, 1994.

The Australian Government, as well as the governments of Canada and United Kingdom had decreed that personnel may accept their medals as a keepsake but permission to wear them in uniform has so far been refused. The only country that allowed them to be worn was France, who accepted all grades version for their personnel according to their rank at the time of Operation Desert Storm.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Kuwait) Design

A nation of seafarers and ship builders, Kuwait chose as their coat of arms, the traditional dhow. Falconry is the sport of Kings in the Persian Gulf, and the falcon in the arms is seen as a symbol of Kuwaiti prowess. The official symbolism of the colors is that black symbolizes battlefields, white is for deeds, green is for the meadows, and red is for the blood of Kuwait’s enemies.

The medal is awarded in five classes.

5th Class (for non-commissioned personnel): A bronze medal with enamel, 1 9/16 inches (40 mm) in diameter suspended from a bar by a wreath. The obverse bears the Coat of Arms of the State of Kuwait (the shield of the flag design in color superimposed on a falcon with wings displayed). The falcon supports a disk containing a sailing ship with the full name of the State written at the top of the disk. At the top of the medal is the inscription “1991 LIBERATION MEDAL” in Arabic letters. The reverse side is the map of Kuwait on a rayed background. The ribbon consists of three equal stripes 29/64 inch (11.5 mm) each of Old Glory Red 67156; White 67101; and Irish Green 67189. A black trapezium is at the top of the ribbon drape and service ribbon.

4th Class (for warrant and junior commissioned officers): A dull grey metal medal, suspended from a bar engraved with laurel leaves. The obverse bears a fully sized, five pointed star over a pattern of engraved rays with the centre containing the same falcon and dhow emblem as the fifth class medal and the reverse the same map and rayed background.

3th Class (for field-grade and equivalent officers): A bright gilt medal of similar design to the fourth class medal. The points of the star are considerably rounded and, instead of the rayed background, the medal is pierced between the star and the outer circle.

2nd Class (for one and two star officers): A golden star overlaying a laurel wreath. The center emblem is significantly smaller than for the lower classes of medal. There is Arabic writing above and below the center emblem. The star is suspended directly from the ribbon, by a ring attached to the wreath.

1st Class (for three and four star officers): A neck decoration of large pattern. Similar to the second class medal but the star is enameled in with red points and a white circle surrounding the center emblem. The white circle contains a geometric outer pattern in gold and Arabic writing above the center. Pierced rays, of differing lengths, lie behind the wreath. The star is suspended from its high point.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Egypt)

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Egypt) was instituted in 1991 and awarded to armed forces personnel who served in the Gulf War.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Egyptian version) was instituted in 1991 and awarded to armed forces personnel who served in the Gulf War during the months of August 1990 – March 1991.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Egypt Version) Design

The Egyptian version of the medal is silver and round. The ribbon has nine equal stripes: red, white, black, red, white, green, red, white and black.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Saudi Arabia)

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Gulf War.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (or Naut Tahrir al-Kuwait نوط تحرير الكويت‎ in Arabic) was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.

The Saudi Arabian version of the medal was awarded to members of the Coalition Forces who participated in Operation Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait between the dates of January 17, 1991 and February 28, 1991. Unlike other medals, it recognizes service in a relatively short period of time whereas the Kuwaiti version of the medal is granted for service over three years. The Saudi Arabian version is also senior in U.S. precedence, owing to its having been authorized for several years before the Kuwaiti version was offered.

The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait Design

The Saudi version of the Kuwait Liberation Medal consists of a silver star of fifteen rounded points (with shorter rounded points between them) surmounted by a gilt medallion which contains a wreath tied at its based and a crown at its top. In the center of the gilt medallion is a silver representation of the Earth, over which is superimposed a gilt representation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Above the gilt medallion are the crossed swords and palm tree taken from the Royal Cypher. Beneath the gilt medallion is a swallow-tailed scroll with its ends folded back and point upward so they follow the contour of the gilt medallion. On the scroll are the words, LIBERATION OF KUWAIT in English, and the same inscription above it in Arabic.

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The Medal for Defense Service Abroad (Norway)

The Medal for Defence Service Abroad is a Norwegian military medal originally awarded for service during military operations in the 1990s.

The Medal for Defence Service Abroad (or Forsvarets Innsatsmedalje in Norwegian) is a military medal established 1 January 1993 in Norway and originally awarded for service during military operations that took place in the 1990s. The later establishment of the Medal for Defence Operations Abroad rendered the first obsolete, however in 2009 it was reintroduced as an achievement medal.

It was awarded for distinguished bravery and courage, beyond what is normally required during combat operations. The medal’s color was changed from bronze to gold, and the ribbons of the medal would vary, depending on the area of operations.

The Medal for Defense Service Abroad Design

The medal is round, embossed in gold colored metal. On the obverse is a sword pointing up, with an oak branch on either side. On the reverse are the words FOR DIN INNSATS with oak branches above and below.

The award is suspended from a ribbon in the colors of the Flag of Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces’ colors. The ribbon is blue with red edges, the red edges are bordered in the inside by a thin white stripe. In the center is a stripe of light blue.

During the first period of its existence, the medal was always awarded with a rosette. Finally, in 2012 the medal was further changed to a single ribbon design for all awards. The medal may be awarded with rosette for particularly meritorious distinction.

The Commemorative Cross for the Operations in the Persian Gulf

The Commemorative Cross for the Operations in the Persian Gulf is an Italian award for participation in Operazione Locusta.

The Commemorative Cross for the Operations in the Persian Gulf is an Italian award created to commemorate Italy’s participation in the Gulf War (1990-1991). Italy has been a part, in accordance to its long history of peacekeeping activities, of numerous UN missions and sub-regional peacekeeping efforts in Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of these missions were accompanied by a series of crosses and distinct ribbon combinations.

The code name given to the contribution of the Italian Air Force in the Gulf War was Operazione Locusta. Following the invasion and annexation of Kuwait by Iraq (September 25, 1990) the Italian Government sent eight multi-role fighter bombers Tornado IDS to the Persian gulf. The bombers belonged to the 6º, 36º and 50º Stormo, which were deployed at the Al Dhafra Air Base, in United Arab Emirates. The deployment of Italian aircraft was part of the international security system implemented by UN Security Council Resolution 678.

The use of Italian aircraft as part of the Desert Storm operation represented the first operational employment in combat missions of Italian Air Force aircraft after the end of World War II. The RF104-G returned to Italy on March 11, 1991.

The Cross for the Operations in the Persian Gulf Design

The medal is a silver cross. The ribbon is yellow with a central green, white and red stripe.

In some cases the mission medals were issued with bronze (silver in the case of Afghanistan) bars to denote the specific mission. For earlier missions, the planchet was engraved with the name of the mission.

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The Southwest Asia Service Medal

The Southwest Asia Service Medal (SASM or SWASM) is a military award of the US Armed Forces to recognize duty during the Persian Gulf War.

The Southwest Asia Service Medal (also known as SASM or SWASM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces created by order of President George H.W. Bush to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and November 30, 1995.

Individuals awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal must have participated in or supported military operations in Southwest Asia, including participation in Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm. To receive the award, a service member had to be attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground/shore military operations; aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights or serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.

The award is not authorized for those who performed support of the Persian Gulf War from European or Pacific bases, or for service members who performed “home service” during the Persian Gulf War.

The Southwest Asia Service Medal Design

The medal was designed by Nadine Russell of the Army’s Institute of Heraldry. The colors of the ribbon are tan, representing sand, with the black, white, red, blue, and green colors symbolizing the colors of coalition countries’ national flags. The maximum number of bronze service stars that are authorized to be worn for the Southwest Asia Service Medal’s ribbon or streamer is three.

Ribbon devices:
  • Bronze service star: for participation in each designated campaign. Each recipient of the medal should wear at least one campaign star.
  • Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia: for naval personnel on duty with and attached to a Marine Corps unit that participated in combat.

Designated campaigns:

  • Defense of Saudi Arabia. From August 2, 1990 to January 16, 1991.
  • Liberation and Defense of Kuwait. January 17, 1991 to April 11, 1991.
  • Southwest Asia Cease-Fire. April 12, 1991 to November 30, 1995.

In April 2016, the appearance of the suspension and service ribbon of the SASM was slightly modified. The DLA made the two vertical green bars and one vertical black bar in the middle wider than in the original 1991 version.

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