1.
Description: On a bronze metal 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in diameter the
relief of Iraq, surmounted by two lines
throughout, surmounting a palm wreath. Above is the inscription “IRAQ
CAMPAIGN.” On the reverse, the Statue of Freedom surmounting a sunburst,
encircled by two scimitars points down crossed at tip of blades, all above the
inscription “FOR SERVICE IN IRAQ.”
2. Symbolism:
The relief of Iraq
represents the area of operation. The lines symbolize the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, recalling Iraq’s title as “the land of two rivers.” The palm
wreath denotes peace and honor. The Statue of Freedom represents the ideals
and goals of the United
States army to bring
stability and improve the way of life for Iraq.
The sunburst symbolizes hope and success. The two scimitars recall the swords
erected by Sadam Hussein during his reign; the points down symbolize the goal
for freedom of the Iraqi people, after the fall of Hussein. The ribbon
reflects the colors of the Iraq flag. Green
is the traditional color for Islam. Red honors the fighting courage for the
pursuit of freedom. White denotes generosity and black exemplifies Islam’s
success.
3.
Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following
stripes: 5/32 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1/32 inch Green 67129;
1/16 inch White 67101; 5/32 inch Black 67138; 7/16 inch Chamois 67142; 5/32
inch Black 67138; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1/32 inch Green 67129; 1/16 inch White
67101; 5/32 inch Scarlet 67111.
4.
Criteria: a. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy to Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
on or after 19 March
2003 to a date to be
determined or the cessation of OIF. The area of eligibility encompasses all
land area of the country of Iraq and the
contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the
land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area
out to 12 nautical miles.
b. To be eligible for the award, a soldier must be
assigned or attached to a unit participating in OIF for 30 consecutive days or
for 60 nonconsecutive days in Iraq or meet one of the following criteria: 1)
Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving
grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless,
of time in the Iraq. 2) While participating in OIF or on official duties,
regardless of time, is killed or wounded/injured requiring medical evacuation
from Iraq. 3) While participating as a
regularly assigned air crew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over
Iraq in direct support of OIF; each day
that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with the criteria shall count
as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement.
c. The medal may be awarded posthumously to any
soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in
qualifying operations, without regard to length of such service, if otherwise
eligible.
d. A bronze star is
worn on the suspension and campaign ribbon for one or more days of participation
in each designated campaign phase. The designated campaigns are:
•
Liberation of Iraq 19 March 2003 - 1 May 2003
• Transition of Iraq 2 May 2003 - 28 June 2004
• Iraqi
Governance 29 June 2004 – 15 December 2005
• National Resolution
16 December 2005 – Date to be determined
e. Service members qualified for the Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) by reasons of service between 19 March 2003 and 30 April 2005, in Iraq, shall remain qualified for the
medal. Any such soldier may be awarded the ICM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such
service. Additionally, any such soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be
awarded the ICM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead
device. No soldier shall be entitled to both medals for the same act,
achievement or period of service.
5. Components: The following are authorized components and related
items:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/319. NSN
8455-01-527-8023 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature size):
MIL-DTL-3943/319. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/594.
Available commercially.
d. Lapel Button (ribbon replica):
MIL-DTL-11484/313. Available commercially.
6.
Background: a. Public Law 108-234, dated 28 May 2004 and Executive Order 13363, dated 29 November 2004, established the medal.
b. In order of precedence, the ICM will be worn
before the Global War On Terrorism Medal (GWOTEM) and shall directly follow the
Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) (i.e., KCM, ACM, ICM, GWOTEM, etc.).
c. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to
Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards,
approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The
policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of
streamers is contained in Chapter 9, AR 840-10.
