WW2 Canadian The Africa Star Full Size Medal

The WW2 Canadian The Africa Star Full Size Medal is a historical military decoration awarded to members of the British Commonwealth forces who served in North Africa during the Second World War. Instituted in 1943, the Africa Star recognized service between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943, during the North African Campaign. The medal is characterized by a six-pointed star design, produced from yellow copper zinc alloy. On the obverse, it features the cipher of King George VI surrounded by a circlet bearing the words “The Africa Star.” The ribbon is pale buff in color with a central red stripe flanked by dark blue and pale blue stripes, symbolizing the desert, Army, Navy, and Air Forces. This full-size medal was presented to Canadian and other Commonwealth personnel who met the qualifying criteria for operational service in designated areas. It holds significance as a representation of service and participation in a major World War II theater of operations.