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What start date qualified a soldier for this star?

Service for this medal began on June 6, 1944. This was the famous day of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. It stayed open until the war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945. This time period covered the final, big push to defeat Nazi Germany.

What colors are on the ribbon?

The ribbon has stripes of blue, white, and red. These colors were chosen to represent the flags of both Britain and France. They show how these two nations worked together during the difficult fight to liberate Europe.

Could Royal Navy sailors earn this star?

Yes, sailors in the Royal Navy were able to earn this award. They qualified by serving in the North Sea or the English Channel. They also earned it by helping with battles along the coast of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

What clasp could be attached to the ribbon?

Some soldiers earned both the Atlantic Star and the France and Germany Star. To avoid having too many medals, they did not get a second star. Instead, they received a special Atlantic clasp to attach to this medal's ribbon.

Was it given to Commonwealth soldiers?

Yes, it was given to soldiers from all across the British Commonwealth. This included troops from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand who fought in the European theater. These brave men served alongside British forces to help bring peace back to the continent.

What start date qualified a soldier for this star?

Service for this medal began on June 6, 1944. This was the famous day of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. It stayed open until the war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945. This time period covered the final, big push to defeat Nazi Germany.

What colors are on the ribbon?

The ribbon has stripes of blue, white, and red. These colors were chosen to represent the flags of both Britain and France. They show how these two nations worked together during the difficult fight to liberate Europe.

Could Royal Navy sailors earn this star?

Yes, sailors in the Royal Navy were able to earn this award. They qualified by serving in the North Sea or the English Channel. They also earned it by helping with battles along the coast of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

What clasp could be attached to the ribbon?

Some soldiers earned both the Atlantic Star and the France and Germany Star. To avoid having too many medals, they did not get a second star. Instead, they received a special Atlantic clasp to attach to this medal's ribbon.

Was it given to Commonwealth soldiers?

Yes, it was given to soldiers from all across the British Commonwealth. This included troops from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand who fought in the European theater. These brave men served alongside British forces to help bring peace back to the continent.

Home Library United KingdomFrance and Germany Star

Campaign medal

France and Germany Star

A campaign star awarded to Allied personnel who fought in Northwest Europe during the final drive against Germany.

United Kingdom Established 1945 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after the Italy Star and before the Defence Medal.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for operational military service on land, sea, or in the air in Western Europe between June 1944 and May 1945.

Eligibility

British and Commonwealth forces serving in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, or nearby waters and airspace.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after the Italy Star and before the Defence Medal.

France and Germany Star, Campaign medal, United Kingdom medal

History

King George VI established the France and Germany Star in 1945 to honor the troops who liberated Western Europe. It marked the campaign that began with the D-Day landings in Normandy and ended with the surrender of Nazi Germany.

The star was designed as a six-pointed bronze star, identical in shape to other World War II campaign stars. It did not replace earlier awards, but recognized the fierce ground, sea, and air battles fought in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

If a soldier also qualified for the Atlantic Star or Air Crew Europe Star, they received an Atlantic clasp instead of a second star, following British wartime rules against wearing multiple stars for overlapping campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Stan Hollis, including Victoria Cross, War Medal 1939–1945, Defence Medal, 1939–1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Victoria Cross War Medal 1939–1945 Defence Medal+4

Stan Hollis

Who Was Stan Hollis, the Only Soldier to Win the Victoria Cross on D-Day?

Stan Hollis was a British soldier who earned the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery during the D-Day landings at Gold Beach.

BritishJune 6, 1944

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Sources

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