I’ll help you create a blog post about the Iraq Campaign Medal following the specified guidelines. I’ll use web search to ensure accuracy of information. Based on the search results, I’ll craft a blog post about the Iraq Campaign Medal:
The Iraq Campaign Medal stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and service of United States military personnel who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2011. Established by Executive Order 13363 on November 29, 2004, this prestigious award recognizes the extraordinary commitment of service members during a complex and challenging period in modern military history.
Medal Specifications and Design
The Iraq Campaign Medal is a bronze medallion measuring 1.25 inches (32 mm) in diameter, featuring a distinctive and symbolic design. Its obverse depicts a north-oriented relief of Iraq, with the Tigris and Euphrates rivers represented by two lines, superimposed over a palm wreath. The inscription “IRAQ CAMPAIGN” adorns the top of the medal.
The ribbon accompanying the medal is particularly meaningful, invoking the colors of the Iraqi flag:
- 5/32 inch scarlet at the edges
- 1/16 inch white stripe
- 1/32 inch green stripe
- 1/16 inch white stripe with a 7/16 inch chamois center stripe
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Iraq Campaign Medal, service members had to meet specific requirements during the period of March 19, 2003, to December 31, 2011. The eligibility criteria included:
- Service in Iraq for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days
- Engagement in actual combat during an armed conflict
- Wounded or injured requiring medical evacuation
- Participation as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties in support of military operations
Campaign Phases
The Iraq Campaign was divided into several distinct phases, each representing a critical period of military operations:
- Liberation of Iraq: March 19, 2003 - May 1, 2003
- Transition of Iraq: May 2, 2003 - June 28, 2004
- Iraqi Governance: June 29, 2004 - December 15, 2005
- National Resolution: December 16, 2005 - January 9, 2007
- Iraqi Surge: January 10, 2007 - December 31, 2008
- Iraqi Sovereignty: January 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010
- New Dawn: September 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011
Important Considerations
🏅 Note: The Iraq Campaign Medal replaced the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for service in Iraq after May 1, 2005. Personnel could elect to receive either medal for service before this date, but not both.
An order terminating the campaign medal was issued on April 23, 2012, with the effective date of December 31, 2011 - the conclusion of Operation New Dawn. This medal serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who served during this challenging period of military history.
Who is eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal?
+U.S. military personnel who served in Iraq for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days between March 19, 2003, and December 31, 2011, or met specific combat or operational criteria.
Can the medal be awarded posthumously?
+Yes, the Iraq Campaign Medal can be awarded posthumously to service members who died in the line of duty within Iraq during the specified period.
Are service stars authorized for this medal?
+No, service stars are not authorized for the Iraq Campaign Medal. Only one award of the medal may be given to an individual.
