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How does this differ from the Order of the Mother of Battles?

The Mother of Battles Medal was a simple award given to many regular soldiers and officers. The Order of the Mother of Battles was a much more special prize. That higher honor was reserved only for top generals and leaders.

Who was eligible for this award?

Any Iraqi soldier who served during the Gulf War could get this medal. It was given to hundreds of thousands of people who were on duty between August 1990 and March 1991. This included both regular army troops and those who were drafted.

What is depicted on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a map of Iraq with bright sun rays shining behind it. You can also see a rifle and a sword crossed together. It includes writing in the Arabic language to honor the country.

Is this medal still given to modern soldiers?

No, the government stopped giving out this medal after the war ended in 1991. It was made specifically to mark service during that one event. Once the conflict was over, the medal was no longer issued.

Can collectors find this medal today?

Yes, many people who enjoy military history like to collect these medals. Because so many were made for the soldiers, you can still find them for sale today. They are a common piece of history from that time.

How does this differ from the Order of the Mother of Battles?

The Mother of Battles Medal was a simple award given to many regular soldiers and officers. The Order of the Mother of Battles was a much more special prize. That higher honor was reserved only for top generals and leaders.

Who was eligible for this award?

Any Iraqi soldier who served during the Gulf War could get this medal. It was given to hundreds of thousands of people who were on duty between August 1990 and March 1991. This included both regular army troops and those who were drafted.

What is depicted on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal shows a map of Iraq with bright sun rays shining behind it. You can also see a rifle and a sword crossed together. It includes writing in the Arabic language to honor the country.

Is this medal still given to modern soldiers?

No, the government stopped giving out this medal after the war ended in 1991. It was made specifically to mark service during that one event. Once the conflict was over, the medal was no longer issued.

Can collectors find this medal today?

Yes, many people who enjoy military history like to collect these medals. Because so many were made for the soldiers, you can still find them for sale today. They are a common piece of history from that time.

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Campaign medal

Mother of Battles Medal

A widespread military campaign medal awarded to Iraqi troops who served during the 1991 Gulf War.

Iraq Established 1991 All servicesPrecedence: Campaign medal worn after earlier war campaign medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for military service during the Gulf War operations between 1990 and 1991.

Eligibility

All enlisted personnel and officers serving in the Iraqi military during the conflict.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Campaign medal worn after earlier war campaign medals

Mother of Battles Medal, Campaign medal, Iraq medal

History

The Mother of Battles Medal (Nut Umm al-Ma'arik) was created in 1991 following the end of the Persian Gulf War. While the Order of the Mother of Battles was kept for high commanders, this medal was distributed broadly to regular soldiers and officers.

The medal shows the geographic map of Iraq with radiating sun rays, a crossed rifle and sword, and Arabic text. It hung from a ribbon with red, white, and black stripes, mirroring the Iraqi national flag.

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi servicemen who were mobilized between August 1990 and March 1991 were eligible to wear it. It was the primary campaign award issued to army conscripts during the Gulf War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Gulf War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Saddam Hussein, including Faisal I Coronation Medal, Order of Victory, Wounded in Action Medal, Mother of Battles Medal, 1973 October War Medal, 1948 Palestine War Medal, Order of the Republic, Medal of Bravery, Order of the Mother of Battles, Order of the Two Rivers, shown against a light Iraq flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Gulf War

Faisal I Coronation Medal Order of Victory Wounded in Action Medal+7

Saddam Hussein

Who Was Saddam Hussein?

The long-time leader of Iraq who oversaw major military campaigns.

Iraq1979-2003

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Sources

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