The Air Crew Europe Star
Description
The Air Crew Europe Star is earned almost exclusively by RAF (Royal Air Force) personnel for operational flying from UK bases over Europe between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944.
The ribbon colours represent the sky, night flying and enemy searchlights to symbolise the continuous service of the Air Force by night and day.
Requirements
To apply for the Air Crew Europe Star, the person must have already qualified for the 1939 to 1945 Star and have an additional:
- 60 days operational flying in the army in the above qualifying areas
- 60 days operational flying for the RAF in the above qualifying areas
- 60 days operational flying for the Royal Navy in the above qualifying areas
Two clasps were instituted to be worn on the medal ribbon:
- Atlantic
- France and Germany.
A person who qualifies for the Air Crew Europe Star, the Atlantic Star and the France and Germany Star, or two of these, is awarded only the Star first earned. A Clasp is awarded, denoting that the service which would have qualified for the Second Star named has been rendered. When the Air Crew Europe Star is granted under this provision, and the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rose Emblem will denote the award of the Atlantic, or France and Germany Clasp as the case may be. No individual may be awarded more than one Clasp to the Air Crew Europe Star.
Interesting facts
Due to its rarity, it is one of the most faked UK WW2 Stars. You can read the article about identifying copies of The Air Crew Europe Stars by Lancaster University: link
My medal
I received my Air Crew Europe Start from the USA, California. Due to rarity, price, long travel, and import taxes, I managed to find out which of my friends’ relatives will come to visit our city, and it came in his pocket. I was still nervous while it was going to Washington State. At the moment of arrival, it was my most expensive collection piece. It came in the medal box.
