The timeline shows the major events of the United States' involvement in the United Nations' action to liberate the nation of Kuwait from occupying Iraqi forces.
August 7, 1990
Operation Desert Shield Begins
August 7, 1990
First U.S. Forces—F-15 Eagle fighters from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia—arrive in Saudi Arabia
August 1990
U.S. Navy preventive-medicine personnel and scientists began evaluating disease risks among deployed troops
August 12, 1990
First Operation Desert Shield-related U.S. death
August 22, 1990
First call-up of Selected Reservists to active duty for 90 days authorized by executive order.
September 1990
First large-scale, in-theater painting operation established at the port of Ad Dammam
September 1990
Team from Walter Reed Army Institute of Research arrives to discuss stress and psychological status with soldiers
November 12, 1990
Call-up widened in subsequent authorizations; period of service extended to 180 days by executive order
December 21, 1990
FDA issues the Interim Rule, "Informed Consent is Not Feasible" (FR 52814)
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: December 22, 2025