US ARMY SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE Medal

US ARMY  SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE Medal, mint condition.

The Southwest Asia Service Medal (SASM or SWASM) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces created by executive order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. It is intended to recognize service members who participated in the Persian Gulf War and the period that followed. The medal was designed by Nadine Russell of the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry. The ribbon colors are beige, representing sand, and black, white, red, blue, and green, symbolizing the colors of the national flags of the coalition countries.

Individuals who receive the Southwest Asia Service Medal must have participated in or supported military operations in Southwest Asia between August 2, 1990, and November 30, 1995. This period includes participation in Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm:

Iraq

Kuwait

Saudi Arabia

Oman

Bahrain

Qatar

United Arab Emirates

Persian Gulf

Red Sea

Gulf of Oman

Gulf of Aden

and the portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10° north latitude and west of 68° east longitude.

Individuals who served in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including airspace and territorial waters) and who directly participated in combat operations between January 17, 1991, and April 11, 1991, are also eligible for this award.