Persian Gulf War Patches

The conflict commonly known as the Gulf War or Desert Storm actually consisted of several operations. Here's a list of the main operations and their official names:

1. Operation Desert Shield (August 2, 1990 - January 17, 1991) This was the build-up of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia.
2. Operation Desert Storm (January 17, 1991 - February 28, 1991) This was the combat phase, including the air campaign and ground offensive.
3. Operation Desert Sabre (February 24-28, 1991) This was the ground offensive phase of Desert Storm.
4. Operation Desert Farewell (March 1991 - January 1992) The return of personnel and equipment to their home stations.
5. Operation Provide Comfort (April 1991 - December 1996) Humanitarian operations to aid Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq.
6. Operation Southern Watch (August 1992 - March 2003) Enforcement of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq.
7. Operation Northern Watch (January 1997 - March 2003) Enforcement of the no-fly zone over northern Iraq.
8. Operation Desert Fox (December 16-19, 1998) A bombing campaign against Iraqi targets.

These operations collectively make up what is often referred to as the Gulf War or the Persian Gulf War. The main combat operations (Desert Shield and Desert Storm) are what most people think of when they hear "Desert Storm" or "Gulf War."