Daniel P. Bolger

Operation Desert Storm ended in 1991. Together with Operation Desert Shield, the two operations marked the United States' first major foreign crisis after the end of the Cold War.
In response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, Marines from the I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) were deployed to participate in Operation Desert Shield. The subsequent combat phase, Operation Desert Storm, was initiated as coalition forces launched an all-out air assault against targets in Iraq. Troops from the U.S. fought alongside 38 other countries – the largest military coalition assembled since WWII – to liberate Kuwait and enforce the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Marines on the ground included troops from both 1st Marine Division and 2d Marine Division, reinforced by other units including Marines from Marine Forces Reserve.
Beginning on January 17, coalition forces conducted a massive aerial bombardment campaign, targeting Iraqi air defenses, communication networks and infrastructure. With complete air superiority established, coalition troops launched offensive ground operations on February 24. Marines assigned to Task Force Ripper fought one of the largest tank battles in American history on February 27, destroying hundreds of Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles at Kuwait International Airport. Other Marine Corps forces positioned in the Persian Gulf created the illusion of an impending amphibious assault, providing coalition forces the opportunity to conduct a vast flanking maneuver in western Iraq. After just 100 hours of combat, the liberation of Kuwait was complete, and a cease-fire was declared.
Today, we honor those who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. We honor those who fought, and the 24 U.S. Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Gulf War – may they never be forgotten.
Semper Fidelis.

Here are the week's best photos from around the Corps. Help select the "Corps' Top Shot" by liking, commenting on, or sharing your favorite image.
The image with the most combined hits by the end of the day will be crowned as our photo of the week.

with the 2d Marine Division participate in a live-fire and maneuver range during Intrepid Maven 23.2.
is a bilateral exercise between Marine Corps Forces Central Command and the Israel Defense Forces designed to improve interoperability and strengthen partner-nation relationships in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.
📷 (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Emma Gray)

assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct combat rubber raiding craft operations in the well deck of the U.S. Navy's USS Green Bay. … See more

is a visible symbol of the U.S.-Thai defense alliance, demonstrating a steadfast commitment toward enhancing critical capabilities and readiness required to address Indo-Pacific security challenges across all domains.