Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon

Southwest Asia Service Medal

Service awardSWASM

For service in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Aug. 2, 1990 to Nov. 30, 1995.

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How you get it

You earn this by meeting the requirements. No recommendation is needed. If it's missing from your record, current members can have their MPF add it. Veterans can request it from AFPC with a Standard Form 180 and supporting documents.

You qualify if any of these apply

Quick facts

Category
Campaign and service
Type
Service award
Authorized devices
Service Star
WAPS points
0
Position in the AFPC listing
47 of 91 (listed in order of precedence)
Full AFPC fact sheet text

Background

This award, authorized by Executive Order 12754, March 12, 1991, is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who served in support of Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm between Aug. 2, 1990 and Nov. 30, 1995 in one or more of the following areas: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, and the land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates; or individuals serving in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including territorial airspace and waters) directly supporting combat operations between Jan. 17, 1991 and Nov. 30, 1995.

Criteria

Refer to Department of Defense 1348.33-M for specific individual eligibility requirements.

This award came with three distinct campaign periods:

-Defense of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 2, 1990 – Jan. 16, 1991

-Liberation and Defense of Kuwait, Jan. 17, 1991 - April 11, 1991, and

-Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign, April 12, 1991 to Nov. 30, 1995.

A bronze service star is worn for participation in each respective campaign period.

Authorized devices

Service Star

Source: Southwest Asia Service Medal fact sheet, Air Force's Personnel Center

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