Cased Kuwaiti Liberation Medal

[Darrell]

Darrel,

The one you initially posted is the same version that I was issued following the Gulf War in 1991. Box, maker, medal, and ribbon are all identical.

Tim

Tim,

Interesting. Can you remember any details about different versions floating around at the time? I assume the guys you served with all got that version?

[Darrell]

Interesting comparison between this medal (first posted) and another US issue.

Obverse ...

[Darrell]

Reverse:

[Tim B.]

Comparing the two pieces above;

The initial issue one (left) is the original style issued by the government of Kuwait. That was the only style at time of issue given to U.S. troops for the '91 Gulf War. Notice the coarser ribbon grain and longer medal ribbon as compared to the "private purchase" piece you show on the right?

That one (right) is the style sold by PX/BX/NEX for those that did not receive but were entitled to wear the medal, or those (like me) that needed a second one for mounting on a medal bar (medal grouping).

Some other minor differences are the ribbon bar is considerably larger in height when compared to normal ribbons worn by US forces and the black trapazoid angles all the way to the corners where the replacements do not.

I can't look at the reverse of my original issue (Kuwait) medal as it's mounted inside my retirement shadow box, but the front mirrors yours and you can see the differences where the wreath attaches to the lower suspension bar. On original Kuwait pieces, it's touching the bottom, but on the replacements, it's almost even with the top of the bar. On the reverse, the pebbling is a definate difference. Again, I can't look at mine without taking my case apart, but seem to remember it was not pebbled.

Of note, the original issue (Kuwait) medals are more of a copperish colored metal than the private purchased pieces that are more golden bronze in color. You can see the rear attachment is also this copperish color. Additionally, my replacement medal that I bought in the Navy Exchange back in the 90's does not have the artificial blackening that yours shows, so perhaps that is a difference in manufacture from those of today compared to the earlier made replacement pieces?

Hope that helps.
Tim

[Tim B.]

Looking at yours again, I believe your second piece must be a newer remake as some of the details I mentioned are different from my "90's era private purchase" piece.

I notice the medal ribbon is longer where mine is clearly shorter than the Kuwait issue medal and that trapizoid is offset a bit, but appears to extend to the corners now. It also appears that your piece is closer in copper color than the one I purchased, so perhaps a different manufacturer today?

One big difference is on the reverse, where the wreath attaches to the round portion of the medallion. Your's shows a rectangular looking bar at the attachment point and mine does not have this feature. Perhaps they have felt that area needed strengthening and have added that to the current manufacture?
Tim

[Darrell]

Good comments Tim, and you point out some differences that I havent noticed before.

The second piece (or the one to the right) was purchased about 2 - 3 years ago .. so it's a fairly modern version. Probably why the differences in more modern manufacturers.

Thanks for the comments. Even these common medals have some interesting past