Medal
Cupro-nickel and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth. The reverse (shown here) bears a modern 'combined operations' badge surrounded by the words 'The Gulf Medal' and the dates '1990-91'.
Clasp
Two Clasps were awarded, one bearing the dates '16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991' and the other '2 Aug 1990'. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the Clasp.
Ribbon
A wide central stripe of pale buff flanked on each side by narrow stripes of light blue, red and dark blue.
Qualifying criteria
The Medal with Clasp '16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991' was awarded for seven days continuous service in the Theatre of Operations as defined in the regulations between these dates, which signify the dates of the actual war.
The Medal with Clasp '2 Aug 1990' was awarded to the members of the Kuwait Liaison Team who were in Kuwait on this date.
The Medal alone was awarded for 30 days continuous service in the Area of Operations as defined in the regulations between 2 August 1990 and 7 March 1991.
Full details are laid out in DCI Gen 185/91.
Foreign Awards for the Gulf War
The Governments of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia struck and issued medals to the Allied personnel who had taken part in the liberation of Kuwait. Known as the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal and the Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait, permission was granted for British service personnel to accept, but not wear, the medals.