Operation Vigilant Warrior

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Operation Vigilant Warrior was a military operation from 8 October 1994 to 15 December 1994 by the United States in response to Iraqi ground troops moving toward the Kuwait border. A quick response by President Bill Clinton allowed USCENTAF command and staff to deploy to Riyadh within days.^[1]

On October 8th 1994, 1st Force Service Support Group (FSSG), 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (IMEF) was put on alert. The 1st FSSG Forward (FWD) was manned up to deploy as the lead element for the 1st FSSG. The FSSG FWD deployed 120 Marines and equipment from March Air Force Base, CA to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia via Air Force Cargo Aircraft on October 28 1994. The unit then traveled north by convoy to the port of Al-Jubayli. Iraq immediately recalled its ground forces and without further incident. With no remaining need for the unit, retrograde began within a few days and the unit departed from Daharan, Saudi Arabia, on 5 November 1994.

The Joint Meritorious Unit Award given went to HQ US Training Mission Riyadh Saudi Arabia 8Oct94-15Dec94 for Operation Vigilant Warrior.^[2] US Service members who participated were authorized the Southwest Asia Service Medal, but not the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) nor the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) due to these events taking place after the end dates of those specific medals.