The Iraqi Army was expelled from their six month occupation of Kuwait by coalition forces in February 1991.
In 1991 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia introduced the Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait as a memento for those personnel who served as part of the coalition forces to liberate Kuwait.
In 1998 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially offered their medal to the Australian Government. This offer was accepted by the government. The Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait is the only foreign award recognising this conflict which has been officially approved for wear.
Awarded to ADF personnel who served in the prescribed operational area of the Persian Gulf between 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991.
The United States Department of Defense includes a broader date range in regards to eligibility, whereas the Australian Department of Defence restricts these dates to the actual conflict period concerning the liberation of Kuwait, 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991, and to the prescribed operational area of the Persian Gulf.
The Government of Kuwait introduced the Kuwait Liberation Medal in 1995 to recognise those who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991. The medal was offered to the Australian Government in 2000. In line with policy, the later offer of the Kuwaiti medal could not be accepted and it is therefore an unofficial award. The medal was issued as a memento to Australian Defence Force personnel who served in the prescribed operational area of the Persian Gulf between 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991.
The medal is not approved for wear by members of the ADF. It is allowed to be retained as a memento by members who received it and worn on civilian clothing on special days such as ANZAC Day and other commemorative occasions. It is recommended the Kuwait Liberation Medal be worn on the right breast.