The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum presents Shield and Storm: 20th Anniversary of the Persian Gulf War on view through June 25, 2011.
n the First Persian Gulf War (August 1990-February 1991), the United States, and 33 of its allies, coordinated to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Although called “The Mother of All Battles” by Saddam Hussein, the Gulf War is remembered for how quickly the Iraqi forces collapsed in the face of superior American military technology.
Shield and Storm: 20th Anniversary of the Persian Gulf War examines multiple aspects of this conflict, particularly the involvement of South Carolinians. The exhibit features three main sections: a general overview of the war, the air campaign (highlighting the SC Swamp Fox Air National Guard F16A Fighter Squadron), and the ground campaign (highlighting the SC Army National Guard and Fort Jackson).
Artifacts on display include the uniforms of Lt. Col. Jet Jernigan’s (led the first air attack against Iraqi forces) SCANG flight suit and General Chuck Horner’s (commander of the USAF) camouflage blouse and cap with insignia. An Iraqi gas mask, weapons (including a M16A2), service medals, Desert Storm trading cards, and various patches are just a few of the artifacts that tell the story of the conflict.
In the twenty years following Desert Shield/Storm, this conflict has been greatly overshadowed by the events surrounding 9/11 and the War on Terror. Despite the brevity of this conflict, it is historically significant as the precursor of today’s Iraq War. It is also important that the soldiers who fought in the war and sacrificed their lives for such an overwhelming American victory are honored and receive due recognition.
Founded in 1896, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is the third oldest museum in the state. The museum focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present.
http://crr.sc.gov