What does a W/3BSS mean on SouthWest Asia Medal from desert storm?

2016-08-23T17:27:18-04:00

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 23 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-08-23T17:30:26-04:00

With 3 Bronze Service Stars for subsequent awards. With the Initial Ribbon/Medal that means the Service Member was in the Persian Gulf 4 times. I only have 1BSS on Mine but I do Have 4 BSS on my Good Conduct Award.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 23 at 2016 7:11 PM

2016-08-23T19:11:39-04:00

Subsequent "Campaigns." Each campaign rates its own medal. Presence in the Conflict is the base medal, and each of the following adds 1 star.

Defense of Saudi Arabia August 2, 1990 January 16, 1991
Liberation and Defense of Kuwait January 17, 1991 April 11, 1991
Southwest Asia Cease-Fire April 12, 1991 November 30, 1995

It gets a little weird when you are outside that 1990-1995 date range, because this medal is replaced with Armed Forces Expeditionary or Navy (or Marine) Expeditionary.