The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George Bush on March 12, 1991. The decoration is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Gulf War.
The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for military service between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995 for participation during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. To be awarded the decoration a service member must also have served in the geographical land areas of any of the following nations
Between January 17, 1991 and November 30, 1995, service members who performed duty "in support of" the Gulf War are eligible to receive the Southwest Asia Service Medal if duty was performed in either Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, or Jordan.
For those service members who performed "home service" during the Gulf War, such as support personnel in the United States, the Southwest Asia Service Medal is not authorized. The decoration is also not authorized for those who performed support of the Gulf War from European or Pacific bases.
The Southwest Asia Service Medal is authorized four campaigns of service, each denoted by a service star awarded with the medal. Authorized campaigns are as follows:
- Defense of Saudi Arabia: August 2, 1990 to January 16, 1991
- Liberation and Defense of Kuwait: January 17 to April 11, 1991;
- Cease-Fire Campaign: April 12, 1991 to November 30, 1995
- Operation Provide Comfort: June 1, 1992 to November 30, 1995.
Service members who participated in one or more of the above mentioned campaigns are also authorized to receive the Kuwait Liberation Medal, a foreign military decoration issued by the governments of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The Combat Operations Insignia is also authorized for wear on the Southwest Asia Service Medal by Navy personnel who were assigned to the Fleet Marine Force and engaged in combat duties.
