All military and civilian personnel, including embedded media, involved in the operations for the liberation of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
 
This medal was awarded to all military and civilian personnel involved in Operation TELIC in Kuwait and Iraq from January 20, 2003.  Those who took park in the actual combat from March 19, 2003 were awarded the clasp, denoted by a silver rosette on the ribbon alone.  The medal is awarded to those who served for 30 days continuously or an aggregate 45 days.