Southwest Asia Service Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Authorized by Executive Order 12754 
2. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving within the specific area designated by the Secretary of Defense. 
3. Individuals authorized that award must have served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD or DESERT STORM in one or more of the following areas from August 2, 1990 through November 30, 1995: 
   • the Persian Gulf, 
   • Red Sea, 
   • Gulf of Oman, 
   • Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 100 N latitude and west 680 E longitude, 
   • as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. 
4. Individuals serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) directly supporting combat operations from January 17, 1991, through November 30, 1995, shall also be eligible for award of the medal. 
5. Stars. One bronze service star shall be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the Southwest Asia Service Medal for participation in each campaign period (i.e., an individual who participated in one campaign would wear the medal and/or service ribbon with one star). 
   • The first campaign period is designated as the “Defense of Saudi Arabia” with corresponding dates of August 2, 1990 through January 16, 1991. 
   • The second campaign is designated “Liberation and Defense of Kuwait” from January 17, 1991 to April 11, 1991. 
   • The third and final campaign, is designated the “Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign,” and extends from April 12, 1991, through November 30, 1995. Service members eligible for the SWASM based on participation in Operation PROVIDE COMFORT will wear the medal and service ribbon with star.
6. Attaching Devices authorized by individual services:
   

   Marine Corps Device - The device is 5/16" high and authorized for NAVY personnel attached to Fleet Marine Force units participating in combat operations. The device is worn centered on the ribbon and campaign stars are placed alternately on on either side of the device. The first star is placed to the right of the device. (per United States Navy Uniform Regulations - NAVPERS 15665I Chapter 5)

The Office of the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness maintains a list of "Approved Military Decorations and Awards" which is a roster of the approved Joint DoD awards and/or operations for which the medal is authorized.
This is the Southwest Asia Service Medal approved award/operations. as of the date shown in the document. You may want to verify if it has been updated at The Office of the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness (linked above)