National Desert Storm War Memorial

Location :

In 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait and, in less than 24 hours, dominated nearly 30% of the world’s oil supply. This brutal dictator then set his eyes on Saudi Arabia. Recognizing Saudi Arabia’s important role in the region, President George H.W. Bush launched Operation Desert Shield, the deployment of American combat forces to Saudi Arabia, and issued a mandate to Hussein stating all Iraqi troops must be out of Kuwait by January 15, 1991. With Kuwait still occupied after the deadline passed, the United States led coalition forces in the liberation of Kuwait, a mission known as Operation Desert Storm.

These operations—a major coalition victory—resulted in the removal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait, imposition of sanctions against Iraq and a significantly weakened Iraqi Army. Of the roughly 600,000 American troops who were deployed in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 293 died in theater, of which 148 were killed in action.

The United States currently lacks a national memorial dedicated to the valor and sacrifices made by those members of our Armed Forces who honorably fought in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

We have recruited the support of U.S. Senators, State Representatives, military commanders, veterans and their families, and other grateful American citizens for this initiative. At present, we are designing the memorial and identifying the ideal location for it. All of this work takes time and resources, and we are deeply thankful for the support we have received thus far. However, far greater support—financial contributions, in particular—is still necessary to bring this tribute to life.