Southwest Asia Service Medal

[ssgkrueger]

I had to change the ribbon count from 1 to 0 to get the star off since I have only 1 ribbon issued, not 2 as a star would indicate.

[John Asendorf]

The campaign stars do not denote subsequent awards for this medal... They signify time periods of service:

http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Award ... EDAL1.html

3. Criteria: a. Individuals authorized the Southwest Asia Service Medal must have served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm, in one or more of the following areas, between 2 August 1990 and 30 November 1995: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) directly supporting combat operations between 17 January 1991 and 11 April 1991 are also eligible for this award.

5. Background

c. Bronze stars are worn on the ribbon to indicate campaign participation by the service member. Three campaigns have been designated - - "DEFENSE OF SAUDI ARABIA" for the period 2 August 1990 through 16 January 1991, "LIBERATION AND DEFENSE OF KUWAIT" for the period 17 January 1991 through 11 April 1991, and "SOUTHWEST ASIA CEASE- FIRE" for the period 12 April 1991 through 30 November 1995.

So, if I'm reading it correctly, this ribbon should never be worn without at least one campaign star. If someone has a different interpretation, please let me know.