British Commonwealth War and Campaign Medals Awarded to New Zealanders - The Pacific Star
About this medal
The Pacific Star was awarded for operational service in the Pacific between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. This medal was also awarded for certain specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra: between 8 December 1941 and 25 December 1941 (for Hong Kong); between 8 December 1941 and 15 February 1942 (for China and Malaya); and between 8 December 1941 and 23 March 1942 (for Sumatra). Second World War service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra after the above end dates was recognised by the award of the Burma Star.
Personnel qualifying for both the Pacific Star and the Burma Star were awarded the first star they qualified for, and a clasp in respect of the second star.
Note: The Phoenix Islands, Samoa, Fiji, the New Hebrides, the Cocos/Keeling Islands and New Caledonia are not qualifying areas for the Pacific Star. Instead service on these islands qualified towards the award of the Defence Medal.
About the ribbon
The centre of the ribbon is dark green (symbolising the jungle) with a central yellow stripe (symbolising the beaches). On the outer edges are wide stripes of red (representing the Army), with narrow stripes of dark blue and light blue (representing the Navy and Air Force) between the stripes of dark green and red.
Medal Regulations
The Regulations for the Pacific Star can be viewed here.
Clasps and Bars
One clasp, ‘Burma' was awarded for wear on this medal.
Order of Wear
The Pacific Star is always worn after the Africa Star but before the Italy Star. Personnel will never wear both the Pacific Star and the Burma Star. The position of the Pacific Star in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
News
19 September 2008 - First of World War Two Division banners to be presented
19 March 2008 - Appeal to find 2NZEF Battalion Group Members - to attend a commemorative banner presentation ceremony at Defence House, Wellington