The Persian Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm or the First Gulf War, began in 1991 after President Saddam Hussein of Iraq ordered the invasion and occupation of neighboring Kuwait in early 1990. Alarmed by these actions, Arab powers such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt called on the United States and other Western nations to intervene. Hussein defied United Nations Security Council demands to withdraw from Kuwait by mid-January 1991, and Operation Desert Storm began with a massive U.S.-led air offensive. After 42 days of relentless attacks, U.S. President George H.W. Bush declared a cease-fire on February 28; by that time, most Iraqi forces in Kuwait had either surrendered or fled. (History.com).
GULF WAR BEGINS. On November 29, 1990, the U.N. Security Council authorized the use of “all necessary means” of force against Iraq if it did not withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991. By January, the coalition forces prepared to face off against Iraq numbered some 750,000, including 540,000 U.S personnel and smaller forces from Britain, France Germany, the Soviet Union, Japan Egypt and Saudi Arabia, among other nations.
Early on the morning of January 17, 1991, a massive U.S.-led air offensive hit Iraq’s air defenses, moving swiftly on to its communications networks, weapons, plants, oil refineries and more. The coalition effort, known as Operation Desert Storm, benefited from the latest military technology, including Stealth bombers, Cruise missiles, so-called “Smart” bombs with laser- guidance systems and infrared night-bombing equipment.
The Iraqi air force was either destroyed early on or opted out of combat under the relentless attack, the objective of which was to win the war in the air and minimize combat on the ground as much as possible.
WAR ON THE GROUND
By mid-February, the coalition forces had shifted the focus of their air attacks toward Iraqi ground forces in Kuwait and southern Iraq. A massive allied ground offensive, Operation Desert Sabre, was heading from northeastern Saudi Arabia into Kuwait and southern Iraq.
Over the next four days, coalition forces encircled and defeated the Iraqis and liberated Kuwait. At the same time, U.S. forces stormed into Iraq some 120 miles west of Kuwait, attacking Iraq’s armored reserves from the rear. The elite Iraqi Republican Guard mounted a defense south of Al-Basrah in southeastern Iraq but were defeated by February 27.
WHO WON THE PERSIAN GULF WAR?
With Iraqi resistance nearing collapse, Bush declared a ceasefire on February 28, ending the Persian Gulf War. According to the peace terms that Hussein subsequently accepted, Iraq would recognize Kuwait’s sovereignty and get rid of all its weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons).
In all an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 Iraqi forces were killed, in comparison with only 300 coalition troops. Though the Gulf War was recognized as a decisive victory for the coalition, Kuwait and Iraq suffered enormous damage, and Saddam Hussein was not forced from power. (History.com). 143 American soldiers were killed in the Persian Gulf War and 4 died of wounds. There are 12 missing and presumed dead.
Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 commander, Shawn Wright, served aboard the USS Comfort during this war. I do not have names of other veterans from the Highlands but this needs to be a Wall of Valor for the post office after this year.
On April 11, 1991, the United Nations Security Council declared the conditions of Resolution 687 in effect, making the cease fire official and formally ending the Persian Gulf War. The definitive victory elevated the United States as the preeminent global superpower and the number one partner of choice for its allies around the world. Our nation continues to recognize this day and pay tribute to all our nation’s Persian Gulf War veterans. (VFW)
The Persian Gulf War Memorial was erected in March 2011and dedicated in April 2011 to commemorate all who have served their country in the Persian Gulf War. The memorial is located in Newton County, Mississippi.
The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is a new national monument to be built at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on July 14, 2022. The goal is to dedicate the completed Memorial in 2025.
On this special April 11 th Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 and Auxiliary honor and remember the veterans of the Persian Gulf War. God bless them all.
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