Desert Shield to Desert Storm

August 2, 1990 - Sadaam Hussein leads Iraqi troops to invade Kuwait.

August 5, 1990 - With the unprecedented agreement of almost every member of the United Nations, the U.S.A. responded to Saudi Arabia's appeal for support by sending thousands of troops to the Persian Gulf, 27 countries also contributed to the Allied effort.

January 15, 1991 - Deadline for Iraq to leave Kuwait to avoid military action by Allied forces. Iraq ignores the United Nations' deadline and remains in Kuwait.

January 16, 1991 - The first air strike occurs, changing Desert Shield into the grueling Operation Desert Storm.