This is a mounted set of four official United States military medals, displayed on a single dress uniform bar. The medals are arranged in proper order of precedence, featuring a colorful array of ribbons and high-relief bronze-tone medallions. Each medal reflects a distinct aspect of honorable service, including achievement, national defense, overseas operations, and participation in the Gulf War. Bronze service stars on three ribbons indicate multiple periods of eligibility. This set is most likely attributed to a U.S. Navy or Marine Corps service member.
Please refer to the pictures for the condition of this set.
Historical and Cultural Context
These medals collectively represent U.S. military service during a pivotal era — from the closing years of the Cold War through the Gulf War of the early 1990s. The Gulf War (1990–1991) marked a defining moment for U.S. military projection, involving multinational coalition efforts to liberate Kuwait. Simultaneously, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal denotes flexible deployments in smaller-scale operations or peacekeeping missions. This set reflects a service member's experience in both conflict and extended naval deployment, underscoring the U.S. military's global role at the turn of the century.
Medals Significance
1. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Ribbon Colors: Green with orange edges; features a bronze star device.
Obverse: Hexagonal medal with a fouled anchor and four stars.
Reverse: Plain (no inscription).
Awarded For: Outstanding achievement or meritorious service. The bronze star indicates a second award.
2. National Defense Service Medal
Ribbon Colors: Yellow with red, white, and blue stripes.
Obverse: Bald eagle perched on a sword and palm branch.
Reverse: U.S. shield and oak leaf with "United States of America."
Awarded For: Honorable active duty during designated periods of national emergency or war.
3. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Ribbon Colors: Blue with white, black, green, yellow, red, and brown stripes.
Obverse: Eagle landing on a sword and olive branch.
Reverse: Sword and palm frond with "United States of America."
Awarded For: Participation in combat or peacekeeping missions abroad.
4. Southwest Asia Service Medal
Ribbon Colors: Tan with green, black, white, red, and blue.
Obverse: Desert war scene with aircraft, ship, tank, and the inscription: “Southwest Asia Service.”
Reverse: Sword and palm frond with "United States of America."
Awarded For: Service in the Gulf War under Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
 Summary
Configuration: Mounted on an original uniform bar.
Era: Primarily early 1990s, centered around Gulf War deployments.
Likely Branch: Navy or Marine Corps.
Devices: Bronze stars on three ribbons indicate repeat awards or multiple qualifying operations.
Condition:
Please refer to the pictures for the condition of this set.