What is a 'battle star' and are there any websites that deal with battle stars and other World War 2 citations?

Answer 1

AnswerA battle star indicates that the recipient participated in a particular campaign. First one must determine the campaign ribbon that the star(s) are on, to then determine which campaign(s) the recipient participated in. It also helps to have the numerical designation of the unit that the recipient was assigned to. AnswerThe US Army also used Battle Clasps, with a specific title, like Army of Occupation Clasp, Good Conduct Clasp, etc. The stars indicated on a particular Army medal would be indicative of more than one combat engagement within the same theater of operations. Example: two bronze stars on an European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal for Army service, would show that THREE combat actions were attributable to that person within that theater (European-African) of operation. The Medal or ribbon itself is action one, and each star indicates a separate action, for a total of three combat actions.