What do Bronze Stars on a World War 2 theater ribbon mean?

Bronze Stars on a World War II Campaign Ribbon

Each bronze star on the ribbon of a campaign medal or ribbon bar represents a campaign that the wearer served in. When the wearer has been in five campaigns they turn in the four bronze stars & replace it with a silver star, silver represents five campaigns.

For example, three stars on an ETO ribbon would mean the veteran served in three campaigns in the European Theater of Operations.

The EAME or E.A.M.E. (European, African, Middle Eastern) Theater Ribbon was a way for the U.S. Military to recogize where a person served during WW 2. It was given to all who participated in the European, African and Mediterranean theatres.

As for the EAME ribbon itself, The colors of the ribbon have their own significance: the brown stripes on the outer edges represent the sands of the North African desert. The wide green stripes in the middle represent the forests of Europe. The narrow green white and red stripes on one side represent Italy and the narrow black and white stripes on the other side represent Germany. The narrow red white and blue stripes in the center represent the United States.

Bronze Stars worn upon it are Campaign Stars, NOT to be confused with the Bronze Star Award for Valour. The two CAMPAIGNS mentioned here are:

Rhineland: Sept. 14, 1944 - Mar. 21, 1945

Central Europe: Mar. 22 - May 8, 1945

For one example, a pilot might have these for piloting a B-17G based at Deenethorpe, England, on strategic bombing missions over Europe, Sept. 14, 1944 to V-E Day.

For more info on all awards and medals, go to:

http://www2.powercom.net/~rokats/smedals3.html

Campaign Medals (theater ribbons) are on page 3 of United States Army Service Medals

Note that you need to be careful on the Internet. I just read that EAME stands for European/African/Mediteranean theater, but the ME really stands for Middle Eastern.

More input:

• My late husband, a Chief Gunners Mate, had 13 stars on this ribbon, and he told me that each star stood for a different campaign. In addition he had the following: American Defense; 1 star. Philippine Lib. 2 stars; World War II Victory Medal; American Area (Good Conduct Medal); Commendation Ribbons.

First answer by Val Garlock. Last edit by sue. Question popularity: 259 [recommend question]