Awards of
World War IIThe European Aircrew Star is a British award given to pilots who participated in air raids on German-occupied territories from the beginning of the war until 5 June 1944.
Materials:
copper, zinc.
Award recipient:
Persons who participated in air raids on German-occupied territories.
Reasons for award:
Participation in air raids for at least two months.
The criterion for receiving this award was participation in air raids on occupied territories in Europe for two months between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944. Beginning June 6, 1944, pilots who conducted combat missions over Europe received the France and Germany Star.
The award's regulations stipulate that if a recipient of the European Aircrew Star was eligible for the Atlantic Star or the France and Germany Star, the award was not issued, but rather marked with a corresponding pin to the ribbon of the European Aircrew Star.
The award is a six-pointed star measuring 44 x 38 mm, made of copper and zinc alloy. The obverse of the award features the monogram of King George VI in the center, surmounted by the British crown and enclosed in a circlet bearing the inscription "European Aircrew Star." The reverse of the award is plain, although awards from South Africa and Australia may have the recipient's name engraved.
The ribbon for this award, like other company awards, was personally designed by King George VI. The central blue stripe symbolizes the sky, the black stripes at the edges symbolize night flight, and the yellow stripes represent enemy searchlight beams.
If the recipient, after receiving this award, is awarded the Atlantic Star or the Star of France and Germany, a clasp is attached to the award ribbon. However, only one clasp may be worn, that of the award received first.