Campaign medal
1939-1945 Star
A British campaign medal given for operational service during the opening and middle years of World War II.
United Kingdom Established 1943 All servicesPrecedence: Worn before other World War II campaign stars like the Atlantic Star and Africa Star.
Medals & Awards
Awarded For
Awarded for completing active operational military service between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945.
Eligibility
British and Commonwealth armed forces personnel who completed qualifying active wartime service.
Branch
All services
Precedence
Worn before other World War II campaign stars like the Atlantic Star and Africa Star.
History
King George VI created this award in 1943 during the dark days of World War II. It was first called the 1939-43 Star before being expanded to cover service all the way to 1945. It did not replace an earlier medal, but served as the basic campaign star for active military duty during the war.
To earn it, soldiers, sailors, and airmen had to serve in operational areas for a certain amount of time, usually six months on land or at sea, or two months for aircrew. Special clasps like the Battle of Britain clasp were added to honor specific famous victories. Over time, it became one of the most widely awarded campaign stars of the war.
