The Pacific Star was a decoration of the British Empire which was awarded during the years of the Second World War. The Pacific Star was a national award of both Australia and the United Kingdom. It was presented for completing a tour of duty in the Pacific Theater between the dates of 1939 and 1946. The Pacific Star was authorized for immediate bestowal to any soldier who had been killed or wounded in combat.
The Pacific Star was rarely bestowed to foreign and allied militaries, and then only in an honorary fashion. Douglas MacArthur was one such foreign recipient of the Pacific Star. The Africa Star was another such medal which was occasionally bestowed upon foreigners.
There were eight different campaign star medals which were bestowed by the British during World War II. Regulations permitted the wearing of only five such medals simultaneously.
