Italy Star Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids The Italy Star


Country	United Kingdom
Type	Military campaign medal
Eligibility	All Ranks
Awarded for	Serving in the Italian Campaign
Campaign(s)	Italy 1943–1945
Statistics
Established	May 1945
Order of wear
Next (higher)	Burma Star
Next (lower)	France and Germany Star
Related	France: Italian campaign medal 1943–44
Ribbon bar

The Italy Star is a special military medal. The United Kingdom created it in May 1945. It was given to soldiers, sailors, and air force members from the British Commonwealth. They earned it for serving in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War. This campaign lasted from 1943 to 1945.

What are the Second World War Stars?
Why was the Italy Star created?
Who earned the Italy Star?
What does the Italy Star look like?
How are the medals worn?

What are the Second World War Stars?

During the Second World War, many different medals were created. These were called "campaign stars." They honored people who served in important battles and areas.

The first two stars were made in July 1943. By May 1945, eight stars and nine clasps existed. Clasps are small bars added to a medal's ribbon. They show extra service or another campaign. Later, in 2013, two more were added: the Arctic Star and the Bomber Command Clasp.

A person could receive a maximum of six campaign stars. If someone qualified for more than one star in the same group, they would get the first one. Then, a clasp would be added to show the other qualification. Only one clasp could be worn on any star.

Here are the main campaign stars:

The 1939–1945 Star: This was for general service throughout the war. It could have a clasp for the Battle of Britain or Bomber Command.
One of these three: the Atlantic Star, Air Crew Europe Star, or France and Germany Star.
The Arctic Star: For serving in the dangerous Arctic convoys.
The Africa Star: For service in the North African Campaign. It could have clasps for specific armies or areas.
One of these two: the Pacific Star or Burma Star.
The Italy Star: This medal did not have any clasps.

Everyone who received a campaign star also got the War Medal.

Why was the Italy Star created?

After winning in North Africa, the Allies (countries fighting against Germany, Italy, and Japan) invaded Sicily. This happened from July to August 1943. It was a quick victory.

Then, on September 3, 1943, the Allies moved into Italy. They also invaded other areas like Italian-occupied Greece and Yugoslavia. The fighting in Italy continued until the war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945.

The Italy Star was created in May 1945. It was given to those who served in the Italian Campaign. This included service from June 11, 1943, to May 8, 1945. This period covered the capture of Pantelleria and the end of the war in Europe.

Who earned the Italy Star?

The rules for getting the Italy Star were different. They depended on whether you served at sea, on land, or in the air.

Serving at Sea

Sailors could earn the Italy Star by serving in certain sea areas. These included the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and waters near Albania and Crete. This service had to be between June 11, 1943, and May 8, 1945. They also needed to have completed six months of service for the 1939-1945 Star.

However, just passing through these areas did not count. Also, delivering supplies to certain ports in North Africa or other places did not qualify.

If a person received a bravery medal or was mentioned for bravery in these areas, they earned the Italy Star. This was true even if they served for a shorter time. Also, if someone died, was disabled, or wounded because of their service, they received the Star.

Serving on Land

For soldiers and ground-based personnel, there was no minimum time needed. They qualified by entering an operational area. This included places like:

Aegean Sea islands (June 1943 to May 1945)
Corsica (June to October 1943)
Dodecanese islands (June 1943 to May 1945)
Greece (June 1943 to May 1945)
Italy, including Elba (June 1943 to May 1945)
Pantelleria (June 11, 1943)
Sardinia (June to September 1943)
Sicily (June to August 1943)
Yugoslavia (June 1943 to May 1945)

Soldiers who entered Austria at the end of the war also received the Italy Star.

Serving in the Air

Air crew who flew missions against the enemy in the Mediterranean qualified. They needed to complete just one operational flight. However, air crew based outside the Mediterranean area did not qualify.

Pilots or crew on transport or ferrying duties qualified if they made at least three landings in the qualifying areas. Army paratroopers who took part in airborne operations in these areas were also eligible.

Flights to Europe from Mediterranean bases also counted for the Italy Star.

What does the Italy Star look like?

The Royal Mint, which makes coins and medals, designed all the campaign stars. They are six-pointed stars made of a yellow metal. Each star is about 44 millimeters wide and 50 millimeters high.

Obverse (Front)

The front of the medal has the Royal Cypher "GRI VI" in the middle. This stands for King George VI. A crown sits on top of the cypher. Around it, a circle says "THE ITALY STAR".

Italy Star awarded to a South African, 25307 R.W. Maccale

Reverse (Back)

The back of the medal is plain.

Naming

Most British forces received their Second World War medals unnamed. However, medals given to soldiers from India, South Africa, and Australia had their details stamped on the back. This included their service number, rank, and name.

Ribbon

The ribbon for the Italy Star is 32 millimeters wide. It has a red band, a white band, and a green band. These colors are the same as the Flag of Italy.

King George VI himself designed the ribbons for most of the Second World War campaign stars.

How are the medals worn?

There is a special order for wearing the Second World War campaign stars. This order is based on when each campaign started and how long it lasted. Even if someone earned them in a different order, they are always worn in this specific way. The Defence Medal and War Medal are worn after the stars.

Here is the order of wear for the main stars and medals:

The Italy Star is worn as shown below:

Order of Wear
1939–1945 Star	Africa Star	Burma Star	Italy Star	Defence Medal	War Medal

It is worn after the 1939–1945 Star.
It is worn after the Africa Star.
It is worn after the Burma Star.
It is worn before the Defence Medal.
It is worn before the War Medal.

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Italy Star Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

Italy Star facts for kids

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