Ribbon
In the colours of the Italian Flag, a central green stripe flanked by white and red stripes of equal width.
Criteria
Star awarded for 1 or more days’ service in Sicily or Italy between the above dates relevant to each campaign.
Those serving in Yugoslavia, Greece, Corsica or Sardinia between certain other specified dates will also qualify.
Naval personnel must qualify first for the 1939-45 Star before the Italy Star can be awarded. It is then awarded for service at sea in the Mediterranean between the above dates provided that it was directly connected with active operations in the Mediterranean theatre.
Certain special conditions apply governing award of the Star for those Naval personnel entering service less than 6 months before the end of the qualifying period.
RAF air crew service in operations against the enemy from bases within the Mediterranean theatre will also qualify with one operational sortie.
Campaign History
After victory in North Africa, the Allies used the position of Tunisia and Malta to invade Sicily. This campaign in Sicily took place from 10 July 1943 to 17 August 1943.
After this swift victory, the Allies pressed on into Italy, with this campaign beginning on 3 September 1943, and also invaded Italian occupied Greece, Yugoslavia, Corsica and Sardinia. The campaign in Italy itself continued to the end of the war in Europe on 8 May 1945.