Medals Database – Medals from the Gulf War

Medals from the Gulf War

Desert Shield & Desert Storm War Badges, Medals & Awards

The Gulf War was an armed campaign waged by a coalition of 35 countries against the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. During this conflict, many military medals were awarded. In this article, we’ll go through them and the acts behind the earning of these decorations.

About the Gulf War

The Gulf War, which lasted from 2 August 1990 to 28 February 1991, was also code-named Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Waged by coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States, the war was in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait (2 August 1990),  which was met with international condemnation.

The coalition was the largest military alliance since World War II. The majority of the coalition’s military forces were from the United States, with Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Egypt as leading contributors. The war is also known under other names, such as the Persian Gulf War, First Gulf War, Gulf War I, Kuwait War, First Iraq War, or Iraq War. 

Popular Gulf War & Desert Storm Medals

Explore the most renowned and esteemed medals, orders, and decorations bestowed during the Gulf War.

British Gulf War Medals

One of the most popular medals awarded during this time is the Gulf Medal, a campaign medal approved in 1992 and issued to officers and men of the British Forces who served during Operation Granby (or the liberation of Kuwait). The Iraq Medal is another campaign medal that was awarded during this time, but to those serving during Operation Telic.

The OSM for the Democratic Republic of Congo - British Post-WW1 Medals

The Iraq Medal

The Iraq Medal is a campaign medal issued to members of the British Armed Forces and certain attached personnel who served between 20 January 2003 and 22 May 2011 on, or in support of, Operation Telic.

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British Post-WW2 Medals: The Gulf Medal

The Gulf Medal

The Gulf War Medal is a British campaign medal issued to officers and men of British forces who served in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during Operation Granby.

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All Medals Awarded During the Gulf War

Below, you will find the complete list of military medals awarded during the Gulf War. These medals were bestowed upon individuals who demonstrated acts of bravery, distinguished service, and exceptional contributions to the success of the mission. You can click on any of these to learn more about the criteria for each medal, the design and symbolism behind them, and the significance they hold in honoring the dedication and sacrifice of those who served during this significant period in history.

Soldiers Who Got Awarded Medals for Heroic Acts

Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith

During the Gulf War, Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, a member of the United States Army, displayed exceptional bravery and sacrifice. On April 4, 2003, while serving in Iraq, his unit came under heavy attack from enemy forces. Despite being outnumbered and facing intense enemy fire, Sergeant Smith took charge of his unit’s defense, coordinating their response and ensuring the safety of his fellow soldiers. Amidst the chaos of battle, he exposed himself to enemy fire to man a machine gun, holding off the enemy and allowing his comrades to regroup and counterattack. Tragically, Sergeant Smith was mortally wounded during the engagement, but his courageous actions saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. For his extraordinary bravery and selflessness, Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States.

Pay Ray Smith in 2003.
Pay Ray Smith in 2003.

Colonel David E. Grange Jr.

Colonel David E. Grange Jr., an officer in the United States Army, demonstrated remarkable leadership and valor during the Gulf War. As commander of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Colonel Grange led his unit with distinction during Operation Desert Storm. On February 26, 1991, while conducting a reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines, his unit came under heavy fire from Iraqi forces. Despite being outnumbered and facing overwhelming odds, Colonel Grange calmly directed his troops, orchestrating a bold and decisive counterattack that repelled the enemy and secured a critical victory. His exceptional leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in the success of the mission, earning him the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest military decoration in the United States Army.

General David E. Grange, Jr.
General David E. Grange, Jr.

Petty Officer First Class Michael A. Monsoor

Petty Officer First Class Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy SEAL serving in the Gulf War, demonstrated extraordinary heroism and sacrifice in the face of imminent danger. On September 29, 2006, while conducting combat operations in Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor and his SEAL team came under attack from enemy insurgents. As enemy grenades rained down on their position, Petty Officer Monsoor made the split-second decision to sacrifice his own life to save his comrades. Without hesitation, he threw himself onto a live grenade, absorbing the blast and shielding his teammates from the explosion. His courageous act of selflessness saved the lives of several fellow SEALs but tragically cost him his own. For his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice, Petty Officer First Class Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first Navy SEAL to receive the nation’s highest military decoration for valor since the Vietnam War.

Michael A. Monsoor.
Michael A. Monsoor.

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Further Reading About the Gulf War and Desert Storm

if you are seeking further reading about the Gulf War and Desert Storm, there are numerous resources that provide excellent insights into this military conflict.  Here are a few recommended titles that cover in-depth analysis, personal accounts, and historical perspectives.