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Southwest Asia Service Medal

 The Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD or DESERT STORM in one or more of the following areas from 2 August 1990 through 30 November 1995: The Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 100 N. latitude and west 680 E. longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

 Members serving in Israel, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) directly supporting combat operations from 17 January 1991 through 30 November 1995 shall also be eligible for award of the SWASM.6.15.2. To be eligible, a Service member must be attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore (military) operations; attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations; actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated above; or serving on temporary duty or 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. These time limitations may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

 The SWASM may be awarded posthumously.

 Authorized Device: A bronze service star will be awarded for participation in each campaign period as listed below in Table 6.5. Service members eligible for the SWASM based on participation in Operation PROVIDE COMFORT will wear the medal and service ribbon with one star.

Southwest Asian Service Medal Designated Campaigns:
 Defense of Saudi Arabia 2 August 1990 - 16 January 1991
 Liberation and Defense of Kuwait 17 January 1991 - 11 April 1991
 Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign 12 April 1991 - 30 November 1995

Category of Award: U.S. Campaign and Service Medal

Established by: Executive Order 12754, March 12, 1991

Device(s): Bronze Service Star

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Pages 180 to 181
AR 600-8-22, Army Regulation, Military Awards, Page 28
SECNAVINST 1650.1H, Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual, Page 8-20 and 8-21
COMDTINST M1650.25E, Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual, Pages 6-4 and 6-5

Page updated June 9, 2017

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