Veterans Health Services

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Twelve significant battles and monuments that highlight key moments in which the U.S. military was engaged during the Gulf Wars, focusing on both the Gulf War (1990-1991) and the Iraq War (2003-2011):

Gulf War (1990-1991)

1. Operation Desert Storm (1991) – The primary combat phase of the Gulf War, in which U.S.-led coalition forces launched a massive air and ground offensive to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The operation resulted in a swift victory.
   • Monument: The National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington, D.C., commemorates the U.S. and coalition forces who served in the Gulf War.

https://www.history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/desert-storm/index.html

1. Battle of Khafji (1991) – The first major ground engagement of the Gulf War, where U.S. Marines and Saudi forces repelled an Iraqi attack on the Saudi border town of Khafji, demonstrating coalition resolve and coordination.
   • Monument: The Khafji Memorial in Saudi Arabia honors the Saudi and coalition forces who defended the city during the battle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Khafji

1. Battle of 73 Easting (1991) – A decisive tank battle during Desert Storm, where U.S. forces, particularly the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, destroyed a large Iraqi Republican Guard force in the open desert, demonstrating the effectiveness of American armor and technology.
   • Monument: There is no specific monument for 73 Easting, but various exhibits at the U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection in Fort Benning, Georgia, commemorate tank battles of the Gulf War.

https://militaryhistoryonline.com/Modern/BattleOf73Easting

1. Highway of Death (1991) – A controversial event during Desert Storm, where retreating Iraqi forces were bombed by U.S. and coalition aircraft on the road between Kuwait and Basra, resulting in heavy casualties and destroyed vehicles.
   • Monument: While there is no specific monument, the event is commemorated through historical analyses and exhibitions in Gulf War-focused museums, such as the National Museum of the U.S. Army.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_of_Death

1. Battle of Medina Ridge (1991) – One of the largest tank battles in U.S. history, where the U.S. 1st Armored Division engaged the Iraqi Republican Guard's Medina Division, resulting in a decisive American victory.
   • Monument: The National Desert Storm War Memorial will honor battles like Medina Ridge as part of the broader Gulf War narrative.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Medina_Ridge

1. Liberation of Kuwait City (1991) – The final act of Desert Storm, where U.S. and coalition forces liberated Kuwait City from Iraqi occupation. This marked the end of major combat operations in the Gulf War.
   • Monument: The Liberation Tower in Kuwait City symbolizes the country’s liberation from Iraqi occupation, and there are smaller memorials honoring U.S. and coalition forces.

Iraq War (2003-2011)

1. Invasion of Iraq / Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003) – The initial phase of the Iraq War, where U.S. and coalition forces quickly overthrew Saddam Hussein’s regime through a combination of airstrikes and ground assaults.
   • Monument: The National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia, has exhibits and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

https://www.georgewbushlibrary.gov/research/topic-guides/the-iraq-war

1. Battle of Baghdad (2003) – U.S. forces, primarily the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, advanced on Baghdad and swiftly captured the city, leading to the fall of Saddam Hussein's government.
   • Monument: The U.S. Army's role in Baghdad’s capture is commemorated at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Baghdad_(2003)

1. Battle of Fallujah (2004) – A series of intense battles, particularly the Second Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury), where U.S. Marines and soldiers fought to retake the city from insurgents in one of the fiercest urban battles of the Iraq War.
   • Monument: The Fallujah Memorial at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, honors the U.S. Marines who fought in the brutal battles of Fallujah.

https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/3350301/operation-vigilant-resolve/

1. Battle of Nasiriyah (2003) – One of the earliest battles of the Iraq War, where U.S. Marines fought to secure key bridges and push toward Baghdad, suffering heavy casualties but achieving critical objectives.

• Monument: The U.S. Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia, features exhibits on the Iraq War, including the Battle of Nasiriyah.

https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/U.S.%20Marines%20in%20Battle_An-Nasiriyah%20%20PCN%2010600000700_1.pdf

1. Operation Red Dawn (2003) – The operation that led to the capture of Saddam Hussein by U.S. forces near Tikrit, marking a significant moment in the Iraq War and the end of his regime's leadership.

• Monument: The National Infantry Museum in Georgia features exhibits on Operation Red Dawn and the capture of Saddam Hussein.

https://www.army.mil/article/116559/operation_red_dawn_nets_saddam_hussein

1. Battle of Ramadi (2006) – U.S. forces, particularly the Marines and Army, engaged in intense urban combat in Ramadi to wrest control from insurgents. It was a key battle in the U.S. effort to stabilize Anbar Province during the Iraq War.

• Monument: The Ramadi Memorial at Camp Pendleton, California, honors the U.S. Marines who fought and died in the battle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ramadi_(2006)

These battles and monuments reflect the significant contributions and sacrifices of the U.S. military in both the Gulf War and the Iraq War, highlighting key moments that shaped the course of both conflicts.