Annex K – The Gulf and Kuwait medal

Table of contents

This campaign medal recognizes service in military operations to defend against Iraqi aggression and to liberate Kuwait. The regulations for this award are in Appendix 1.

Qualifying dates

The period of the military commitment to these operations was 2 August 1990 to 27 June 1991. Note that the Canadian Forces (CF) Middle East Headquarters and main body withdrew 16 April 1991. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) HURON subsequently continued alone on the operational mission until 27 June 1991, when the commitment ended.
Every person who has a minimum of 30 days cumulative service in the theatre of operations may be awarded the Medal. A single day’s service during the shorter period of open warfare qualifies for the Medal and Bar. Arrival and departure days in the theatre count as full days.

The theatre of operations was the Special Duty Area (SDA) of the Persian Gulf including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, as well as those other states on the immediate borders of Iraq.

Eligible personnel include CF members or other personnel working with the CF and, who were in the theatre of operations:
1. on the establishment of CF Middle East, or of a Canadian unit attached to or operating under the command of CF Middle East; or
2. on the establishment of or attached to a Canadian or allied unit or formation that was participating in or directly supporting operations to defend against Iraqi aggression or to liberate Kuwait.
Visits and inspections do not qualify as service in the forces committed to, or directly supporting the defence against Iraqi aggression or the liberation of Kuwait.

The bar denotes qualifying service during the shorter period of open warfare from January 16, 1991 to March 3, 1991.