03/02/2023
Operation Desert Storm ended on February 28th 1991. Together with Operation Desert Shield, the two operations marked the United States' first major foreign crisis after the end of the Cold War.
In response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, Marines from the were deployed to participate in Operation Desert Shield. The subsequent combat phase, Operation Desert Storm, was initiated as coalition forces launched an all-out air assault against targets in Iraq. Troops from the U.S. fought alongside 38 other countries – the largest military coalition assembled since WWII – to liberate Kuwait and enforce the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Marines on the ground included troops from both and , reinforced by other units including Marines from .
Beginning on January 17, coalition forces conducted a massive aerial bombardment campaign, targeting Iraqi air defenses, communication networks and infrastructure. With complete air superiority established, coalition troops launched offensive ground operations on February 24. Marines assigned to Task Force Ripper fought one of the largest tank battles in American history on February 27, destroying hundreds of Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles at Kuwait International Airport. Other Marine Corps forces positioned in the Persian Gulf created the illusion of an impending amphibious assault, providing coalition forces the opportunity to conduct a vast flanking maneuver in western Iraq. After just 100 hours of combat, the liberation of Kuwait was complete, and a cease-fire was declared.
We honor those who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. We honor those who fought, and the 24 U.S. Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Gulf War – may they never be forgotten.
Semper Fidelis.