2 Aug 1990

16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991

  Gulf War I as it is now known was started when Saddam Hussian invaded the much smaller bordering country of Kuwait on 2nd August 1990. Massive international pressure grew on Saddam and President Bush declared the invasion "Will not stand" in a speech on 5th August. King Fahd asked for military assistance on 6th August and Initial US Air Force fighter planes arrived in Saudi Arabia two days later. The Big decision was made on 29th November by the UN Security Council by means of authorising "all means necessary" to eject Iraq from Kuwait. Iraq refused to withdrawl by the deadline of 23:59 on the 15th January 1991 and at 02:38 the aerial attack began.
  Awarded to personnel whom had 30 day service between 2 Aug 1990 and 7 March 1991 in the Middle East, or seven days between 16 Jan 1991 to 28 Feb 1991.
  The obverse of the medal depicts Queen Elizabeth II in her coronation 1977 profile. The reverse has an eagle, rifle and anchor - symbolising the three military forces of the UK, Air, Army and Navy.