The Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait (Saudi Arabia)

Time Period: Gulf War (Post-WW2)
Institution: 17 January 1991
Country: Saudi Arabia

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.