Combat· Gulf War (Op DESERT SHIELD/STORM)
Battle of Kuwait International Airport
The Battle of Kuwait International Airport was the culminating ground action of the Marine drive to liberate Kuwait City during Operation DESERT STORM.
After breaching the formidable Iraqi defensive belts and fighting through minefields, obstacles, and armored counterattacks across southern Kuwait, the 1st Marine Division pushed north to the capital's outskirts, where the sprawling international airport had been turned into a fortified Iraqi strongpoint bristling with dug-in armor. In a sharp engagement, often fought in the eerie darkness of skies blackened by burning oil wells, Marine tanks and infantry overcame the defending Iraqi armor and seized the airport, breaking the back of the enemy's hold on the city. The capture of the airport effectively completed the liberation of Kuwait City, which fell as the Iraqi army collapsed into retreat. The battle epitomized the speed and decisiveness of the hundred-hour ground campaign that ended the Gulf War.
Record no. 64