- Time Period: World War II
- Institution: 7 December 1940
- Country: Great Britain
The Pacific Star is a military campaign medal of the British Commonwealth nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. It was established in 1945 to recognize service in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
The Pacific Star was awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth forces who served in specified territories and operational areas in the Pacific region between December 7, 1941, and September 2, 1945. These areas included Southeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean.
The Pacific Star serves as a symbol of recognition for the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices made by military personnel who served in the challenging and often harsh conditions of the Pacific Theater during World War II. It honors their contributions to the Allied efforts in the region.
The Pacific Star Design
The set of nine campaign stars was designed by the Royal Mint engravers. They are six–pointed stars, struck in yellow copper zinc alloy to fit into a 44 millimetres diameter circle.
The obverse has a central design of the Royal Cypher “GRI VI”, surmounted by a crown and the inscription “THE PACIFIC STAR”.
The reverse is plain and follows a no-engraving policy.
The ribbon of the Pacific Star medal consists of three equal vertical stripes of color: The left and right stripes of the ribbon are dark blue, representing the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and the central stripe is light blue, symbolizing the tropical skies and waters of the Pacific Theater.
The combination of dark and light blue stripes on the ribbon represents the unique and challenging environment in which military personnel served during the Pacific campaign of World War II.
Find This Campaign Medal
More WW2 British Campaign Medals
During World War II (1939–1945) British campaign medals were awarded to members of the British Armed Forces and civilians for active service in specific military campaigns or operations. These included:
The Italy Star
The Italy Star is a military campaign medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for service in the Italian Campaign 1943 to 1945.
The France and Germany Star
The France and Germany Star is a military campaign medal awarded to subjects of the British Commonwealth who served during WW2.
The New Zealand War Service Medal
The New Zealand War Service Medal (NZWSM) was awarded to members of the New Zealand armed forces and Reserves during WW2.
The Burma Star
The Burma Star is a military campaign medal for award to subjects of the British Commonwealth who served in the Burma Campaign.
The India Service Medal
The India Service Medal – 1939-1945 is a Commonwealth campaign medal awarded to Indian Forces for three years service in India in WW2.
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal 1939-1945 is a campaign medal awarded to members of the Southern Rhodesia Defence Forces for home service.
The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945
The Australia Service Medal 1939–1945 is a military medal (Great Britain, Australia) that recognizes service in Australia’s armed forces, Mercantile Marine, and Volunteer Defence Corps during World War II.
The Arctic Star
The Arctic Star is a military campaign medal which was instituted for service on the Arctic Convoys north of the Arctic Circle in WW2.
