ARAB MEDALS -- Kuwait

[Ed_Haynes]

There aren't many good sources out there.

http://faculty.winthrop.edu/haynese/medals/kuwait.html

http://www.omsa.org/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=561

http://www.medals.org.uk/kuwait/kuwait.htm (though not much there)

http://www.geocities.com/cintasdemedallas/asia/kuwait.gif

http://www.netdialogue.com/yy/Asia/Kuwait/Kuwait.htm

[Ed_Haynes]

Military Service Medal

Granted to military, police, or civilian personnel who performed their duty in a distinguished manner.

Established: Established by Law No. 17 of 1962. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London England).

Obverse: A circular 42 mm medal, the composition of which varies by class (and this is detailed below). A map of Kuwait with the Arabic inscription "Kuwait". Below this, the legend "The Medal for Military Service". The whole obverse is surrounded by a wreath. The medal is suspended by a ring suspender.

Reverse: A three-line Arabic inscription "Established by Law No. 17 of the Year 1962".

Ribbon: 39 mm, the colors differ by class (and these are detailed below), but the overall impression is a ribbon with two pairs of stripes toward each edge: 2 mm color, 1 mm stripe, 2 mm color, 1 mm stripe, 26 mm color, 1 mm stripe, 2 mm color, 1 mm stripe, 2 mm color. Stars are worn on the ribbons in metal matching the color of the medal.

• gold, with gold star on ribbon - black ribbon with metallic gold stripes (shown below)
• silver, with silver star on ribbon - light blue ribbon with metallic silver stripes
• bronze, with bronze star on ribbon - brown with yellow stripes (often encounted without the ribbon star?)

[Ed_Haynes]

And the silver and bronze classes.

[Ed_Haynes]

Wisam al-Tahrir / Liberation Medal

Awarded for service in the liberation of Kuwait between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993. The award is often referred to as the "Order of Liberation". The service area included the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and that portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10?N and west of 68?E, as well as the land area of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Qualifying service was one day of service on the ground or on a ship or aircraft directly supporting military operations; temporary duty of thirty consecutive days or of sixty non-consecutive days also qualified for the medal. Due to the short notice, Kuwaiti opposition to the Iraqi invasion on 2 August was limited. Some 7000 soldiers escaped to Saudi Arabia, with the remainder being killed, captured, or integrated into the Kuwaiti resistance movements against Iraqi occupation forces. In Saudi Arabia, the refugee Kuwait troops organized their role in the reconquest of their homeland. This award was commonly awarded to allied forces in the struggle to liberate Kuwait. The medal in the third class was most commonly awarded to British participants. Participants from the United States of America, however, confronted great issues of policy regarding the award and received the fifth class. (These are illustrated below, class by class.) Given the tremendous flexibility of the word wisam, this has sometimeds been described as the "Order" of Liberation; I have adopted here the translation of wisam as "medal," as it seems more appropriate for the nature of the award and the service.

Established: Manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England) and by Bertoni (Milan, Italy).

Obverse: The description varies by class, and is detailed below.

Reverse: The description varies by class, and is detailed below.

Ribbon: Pattern of Kuwait flag: equal stripes of red/white/green, at the top a black trapezoid.

Awards: As far as can be determined, the following Kuwaiti participation can be traced: Kuwaiti Division: 35th Armoured Brigade ("Martyr Brigade"), 15th Infantry Mechanized Brigade, __ Mechanized Brigade ("Liberation Brigade," part of the Saudi I Corps); contingent in the G.C.C. "Peninsula Shield" force; helicopter detachment; 1 squadron fighter-bombers; 1 squadron ground attack aircraft. In total, an estimated 9,643 Kuwaiti front-line troops participated in the war and one Kuwaiti serviceman was killed and 7 were wounded. One aircraft was lost. The medal was also widely awarded to other nations' forces in the "coalition" which liberated Kuwait. Although many (most?) declined the multi-class award; for example, the United States authorized only 5th class awards, while British troops received, but were not authorized to wear, the 3rd class.

• first class - A five-pointed red-enameled star with a wreath of olive leaves, the whole on a series of rays; the center is white-enameled with the Arabic inscription "Kuwait Armed Forces" and the enameled crest of Kuwait. It is suspended from a doubled ribbon, presumably around the neck. Awarded to officers of the rank of lieutenant-general or general (equivalent of US O-9 and O-10). The overall design is similar to the Order of National Defense. See http://www.omsa.org/photopost/showphoto.ph...ze=big&cat= at the OMSA website.
• second class - A five-pointed gilt star with a wreath of olive leaves between the points; in the center, the enameled national crest of Kuwait and the Arabic inscription "Kuwait Armed Forces". A device of the Kuwaiti crest is worn on the suspension ribbon. Awarded to officers of the rank of brigadier-general or major-general (equivalent of US O-7 and O-8). See http://www.omsa.org/photopost/showphoto.ph...ze=big&cat= as the OMSA website.
• third class - A modified five-pointed bronze-gilt star with a circular rim connecting the points, and the enameled crest of Kuwait in the center. Awarded to officers of the rank of major, lieutenant-colonel, and colonel (equivalent of US O-4, O-5, an O-6). This class was adopted for general award to British troops. See http://www.omsa.org/photopost/showphoto.ph...ze=big&cat= at the OMSA website.
• fourth class - A circular silver medal, with rays emanating from the center and a five-pointed star with the enameled crest of Kuwait in the center. Awarded to warrant officers and commissioned officers below the rank of captain (equivalent ranks ranging from US W-1 to O-3). See http://www.omsa.org/photopost/showphoto.ph...81&size=big at teh OMSA website.
• fifth class - A circular bronze medal with the crest of Kuwait with enemaled arms, above the Arabic inscription "Wisam al-Tahrir 1991" or "Liberation Medal 1991". The reverse shows a map of Kuwait with rays behind. Awarded to enlisted men (equivalent to U.S. E-1 to E-9). This class was adopted for general award to U.S. troops. Shown below (US Graco manufacture, ribbon slightly askew).

[Ed_Haynes]

Wisam al-Tahrir / Liberation Medal

Just to show a couple of cased sets of the lowest class of this medal. While these are class used for US forces (as awards of the higher class were rejected, except for Schwarzkopf).

The first set is in a paper slipcase.

[Ed_Haynes]

With the slipcase removed, the case is made from this plastic (won't last long) and of a darker blue than it looks in this photo (flash washout!).

[Ed_Haynes]

And inside. The lid just lifts off, no hinge or anything.

[Ed_Haynes]

And another cased specimen, this one of much better quality on all levels. Made by Bertoni (Milan, Italy).

It is contained within a white paper outer box.

[Ed_Haynes]

Inside this, a high quality plastic box. The blue color is much deeper than it seems here, unfortunate reflection and all.

[Ed_Haynes]

And, inside the hinged case, . . . .

[Ed_Haynes]

Wisam al-Kuwait / Order of Kuwait

According to the establishing law: ?Awarded to crown princes, prime ministers, ministers and ambassadors, as well as Kuwaiti nationals and foreigners who offer noble services to Kuwait or to humanity.? The Order of Kuwait is also awarded for distinguished military or civilian bravery, and may be aswarded posthumously.

Established: 16 July 1974, by Emir Sabah ibn Salim, in Law No. 20 of 1974.

Obverse: A ten-pointed rayed star of silver-gilt, with alternating sharp and blunt points. Thereon, an ornate five-pointed, green-enameled star bearing the Kuwaiti arms in gold and enamel. When worn as a breast badge, the decoration is suspended by a straight bar.

Reverse: Plain.

Ribbon: Generally, either green or red moir? (differs by class, as detailed below) with a white stripe toward each edge.

-- Sash of the Special Class ? 100-mm sash (worn over the right shoulder), 60-mm sash badge, and 90-mm star (worn on the left breast), the ribbon is green with two white stripes; 10 mm green, 5 mm white, 70 mm green, 5 mm white, 10 mm green. On less formal occasions, a 15 x 20 mm bow of the appropriate ribbon is worn with a gold miniature state emblem.

-- First Class ? 100-mm sash (worn over the right shoulder), 60-mm sash badge, and 90-mm star (worn on the left breast), the ribbon is red with two white stripes; 10 mm red, 5 mm white, 70 mm red, 5 mm white, 10 mm red. On less formal occasions, a 15 x 20 mm bow of the appropriate ribbon is worn with a gold miniature state emblem.

-- Medallion of the Special Class ? 60-mm neck badge and 90-mm star (worn on ??? breast), the 37-mm ribbon is green with two white stripes. On less formal occasions, a 15 x 20 mm enameled oval in the appropriate ribbon colors is worn with a gold miniature state emblem.

-- Medallion of the First Class ? 60-mm neck badge and 90-mm star (worn on the right breast), the 37-mm ribbon is red with two white stripes. On less formal occasions, a 15 x 20 mm enameled oval in the appropriate ribbon colors is worn with a gold miniature state emblem.

-- Second Class ? 60-mm neck badge, the 37-mm ribbon is green with two white stripes. On less formal occasions, a 15 x 15 mm enameled square in the appropriate ribbon colors is worn with a gold miniature state emblem.

-- Third Class ? 50-mm neck badge, the 37-mm ribbon is red with two white stripes. On less formal occasions, a 15 x 15 mm enameled square in the appropriate ribbon colors is worn with a gold miniature state emblem.

-- Fourth Class ? 50-mm breast badge with rosette on ribbon, the 37-mm ribbon is green with two white stripes. On less formal occasions, an 18 mm rosette of the appropriate ribbon is worn with a gold miniature state emblem. (SHOWN BELOW.)

-- Fifth Class ? 50-mm breast badge, the 37-mm ribbon is red with two white stripes. On less formal occasions, an 18 mm rosette of the appropriate ribbon is worn.

[Ed_Haynes]

Order of Military Duty

Awarded to military or police personnel who displayed conspicuous bravery in the field or rendered distinguished service. It may also be granted to those who participated with distinction in military operations. Also referred to as the ?Order of Military Distinction?.

Established: By Sheikh Abdullah III in Law No. 17 of 1962. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England) and by Bertoni (???, Italy).

Obverse: A five-pointed gold star, with balls on each tip of the star and a gold wreath between the points. In the center, a smaller white-enameled star with ?Order of Military Duty? in the center. Above and below the star,???? / ????. Suspended by a ring.

Reverse: In the center of the star, a circle with the legend ?This Order Established by Law No. 17 of 1962?.

Ribbon: 35 mm, green moir? with 5mm gold-yellow stripes toward each edge.

-- High Rank ? neck badge

-- First Rank ? breast badge, with gold laurel leaf on ribbon

-- Second Rank ? breast badge, with five-pointed gold star on ribbon (SHOWN BELOW)

-- Third Rank ? breast badge, with five-pointed silver star on ribbon

[Elvis]

Hello to all of you,

I got some plastic-boxes with the logo of saudi arabia.

I think they are for ribbonbars.

Does somebody knew a few more?

I like to swap them.

Thanks

[Megan]

Order of Mubarak the Great

Wisam al-Mubarak al-Kabir

Instituted 16 July 1974, and awarded to Heads of State and Royalty, in 2 classes - Collar and Grand Cordon.

Here's the Collar:

Edited September 5, 2009 by Megan

[heusy68]

Hello Gentlemen,

Very nice picture Megan has posted.It is what I believe Order of Mubarak the Great Collar,but first type.

Actually after the war of 1991 and the liberation of Kuwait,the country has completely re-designed it's main Order.

So since 1992 the Collar of Mubarak has a different shape as also the Wissam al Kuwait ( Order of Kuwait).

Nowdays the insignas are made by Garrard's and these pictures are taken from a Garrad's catalogue.

Here the Collar of Great Mubarak 2nd Type.

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

And a close-up on the breast star of Order of the Great Mubarak .

[heusy68]

Now the Order of Kuwait (Wissam al Kuwait) Special Class.

Nowdays the insignas are in real gold (before 1990 they were in metal gilt).

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

Now the Order of Kuwait (Wissam al Kuwait) 5 th Class 2nd Type (insigna's were redesigned in 1992).

All class insigna's are made of gold.I had the opportunity to examine one from close and they are really very well made,but small.

Actually the size correspond to an european 3/4 size (+/- 30 millimeters).The leather case of issue are also of very good quality.

As before the main colour of ribbon alternate with the classes,but now from bleu to orange,then to bleu,then.....

Emmanuel

[Megan]

Quite right about the collar being of the 1st Type, Emmanuel - that's what the kind soul who sent the picture (Dragomir: thank you!!!!) said.

[heusy68]

There is also the Order of National Defense instituted in 1962.

This Order has been manufactured in different quality,the first ones by Spink were very good,the much recent ones made in Singapore were of less good quality.

Emmanuel

[Lancer 21]

The US Unknown Soldier has been awarded Britain's Victoria Cross, the French Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honor) and many other awards, which are on display in the Receiving Room of the Memorial Amphitheater. This is a picture of the Kuwait Liberation Medal, 2nd Class, presented by the Kuwait Minister of Defense, Shaikh Al-Sabah, also on display there.

[Lancer 21]

I think this is one of the classes to the Military Order? Anyone have more info?

[heusy68]

Hello Gentlemen

The award with the central white enamel star is Military Duty Order.

It is at least a 3 class awards (star or oak leaf branch on ribbon & a higher class as a neck badge).

The ribbon is green with yellow stripes near edge.The ribbon shown above is not from Kuwait.

It exist in various quality of manufacture by Spink,Fattorini,Singapore ELM,Italy Bomisa ? Usually metal gilt.

Look the picture posted above by Lancer21,the quality of the badge is much better than the one I have (but uncorrect ribbon).

Some (but few) have even been made in 14kt gold.Liverpool medal had such gold one some years ago and San Giorgio auction alos last year.

Emmanuel

Edited September 5, 2009 by heusy68

[heusy68]

This is Order of Liberation of Kuwait 2nd Class that I own.

Unfortunately it miss the ribbon device,but it's better than nothing.Even if I had pay only 60 US $ for it,I never saw another one for sale in Europe.

The bronze medal for Liberation of Kuwait that was awarded to US soldier (and picture has been posted by Ed haynes above) is actually the fifth class of the Order of Liberation of Kuwait.

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

Hello Gentlemen

The award with the central white enamel star is Military Duty Order.

It is at least a 3 class awards (star or oak leaf branch on ribbon & a higher class as a neck badge).

The ribbon is green with yellow stripes near edge.The ribbon shown above is not from Kuwait.

It exist in various quality of manufacture by Spink,Fattorini,Singapore ELM,Italy Bomisa ? Usually metal gilt.

Look the picture posted above by Lancer21,the quality of the badge is much better than the one I have (but uncorrect ribbon).

Some (but few) have even been made in 14kt gold.Liverpool medal had such gold one some years ago and San Giorgio auction alos last year.

Emmanuel

This is a picture from all 3 Classes of Military Duty together.

You can clearly see the difference of manufacture.

The one in the middle has a planchet of one piece + center.On the one at right the 5 pointed star is separate from the gilded leaf + center.

Emmanuel

Edited September 5, 2009 by heusy68