Criteria: Awarded for military service between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995 for participation during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. To be awarded the decoration a service member must also have served in the geographical land areas of any of the following nations: Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and/or United Arab Emirates. Between January 17, 1991 and November 30, 1995, service members who performed duty "in support of" the Gulf War are eligible to receive the Southwest Asia Service Medal if duty was performed in either Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, or Jordan. The Southwest Asia Service Medal is authorized four campaigns of service, each denoted by a service star awarded with the medal. Authorized campaigns include: Defense of Saudi Arabia: August 2, 1990 to January 16, 1991; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait: January 17 to April 11, 1991; Cease-Fire Campaign: April 12, 1991 to November 30, 1995; Operation Provide Comfort: June 1, 1992 to November 30, 1995. Attachments: Bronze Star Device.

This service ribbon is issued by the military along with an accompanying medal. Check the appropriate Branch of Service category for purchase of its medal counterpart.