ribbons for this medal and the Defence Medal as well as those of the other Second World War campaign stars, with the exception of the Arctic Star, were devised by King George VI. Order of wear The order of wear of the Second World War campaign stars was determined by their respective campaign start dates and by the campaign's duration. This is the order worn, even when a recipient qualified for them in a different order. The Defence Medal and War Medal are worn after the stars. The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal is worn after the Defence Medal and before the War Medal, with other Commonwealth war medals worn after the War Medal. The 1939–1945 Star, from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945, the full duration of the Second World War. The Atlantic Star from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945, the duration of the Battle of the Atlantic and the War in Europe. The Arctic Star, from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945, the duration of the Arctic Convoys and the War in Europe. The Air Crew Europe Star, from 3 September 1939 to 5 June 1944, the period until D-Day minus one. The Africa Star, from 10 June 1940 to 12 May 1943, the duration of the North African Campaign. The Pacific Star, from 8 December 1941 to 2 September 1945, the duration of the Pacific War. The Burma Star, from 11 December 1941 to 2 September 1945, the duration of the Burma Campaign. The Italy Star, from 11 June 1943 to 8 May 1945, the duration of the Italian Campaign. The France and Germany Star, from 6 June 1944 to 8 May 1945, the duration of the Northwest Europe Campaign. The Defence Medal, from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945 (2 September 1945 for those serving in the Far East and the Pacific), the duration of the Second World War. The War Medal, from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945, the full duration of the Second World War. The Air Crew Europe Star is therefore worn as shown: Preceded by the 1939–1945 Star. Succeeded by the Arctic Star. External links Atlantic Star on the UK Parliament website References British campaign medals Australian campaign medals New Zealand campaign medals Military decorations and medals of South Africa Military decorations and medals of South Africa pre-1952 Awards established in 1945 Military awards and decorations of