Pacific Campaign Set (>6 months)

The 1939-45 Star is awarded for service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 for:

• a period of six months (180 days) operational service for RAN and Army personnel and RAAF non-air crew personnel
• a period of two months operational service for air crew personnel
• a period of six months service at sea for Merchant Navy provided at least one voyage was made through one of the specified areas of active operations.

The 1939-45 Star is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel.

Pacific Star: Awarded for operational service in the Pacific theatre of World War II between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Navy and Merchant Marine: service in the Pacific Ocean, South Chine Sea and part of the Indian Ocean. The 1939-45 Star must be earned first. Shore service as for the Army. Army: operational service in territories that have been invaded by the enemy or the allies, not including Burma. Air Force: air crew service in operations agains the enemy, one operational sortie qualifies. A person qualifying for both the Pacific Star and the Burma Star, is awarded only the first Star earned. A clasp is worn denoting service for the other Star.

The War Medal 1939-1945 was awarded for 28 days full-time service in the Armed Forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration. In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea. A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945.

The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel.

The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II. The medal was originally awarded to those who served at home or overseas for at least 18 month full-time service, or three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Members of the Australian Mercantile Marine must have served the qualifying time at sea. In 1996 the qualifying time was reduced to 30 days full-time or 90 days part-time service. To be eligible for the medal a serviceman or woman must have been honourably discharged from the Australian Armed Forces.

The medal is nickel silver with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945.'