US Southwest Asia Service Medal Full Size

The US Southwest Asia Service Medal Full Size is an official United States military decoration awarded to service members who participated in operations related to the Gulf War. Established by Executive Order 12754 in 1991, the medal recognizes military personnel who served in designated areas of Southwest Asia and adjacent waters between August 2, 1990, and November 30, 1995. The full-size medal features a bronze disc with a desert and ocean scene, symbolizing the geographic area of the conflict. The reverse displays the presidential seal. The accompanying ribbon is primarily tan with vertical stripes of blue, red, green, and black, representing the coalition forces and the regional terrain. Qualification for the medal depended on either direct participation in combat operations, support roles within the theater, or supporting operations related to the defense of Saudi Arabia and the liberation of Kuwait. This decoration reflects service during a significant period of recent military history.