WW2 Canadian The Atlantic Star Full Size Medal

The WW2 Canadian The Atlantic Star Full Size Medal is an officially issued campaign medal awarded to Commonwealth forces for service in the Atlantic during the Second World War. Instituted in May 1945, the medal recognizes three months of operational service at sea between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945, specifically aimed at personnel involved in the Battle of the Atlantic. The medal is a six-pointed yellow copper zinc star, featuring the Royal Cipher “GRI VI” and encircled by the words “THE ATLANTIC STAR.” The attached ribbon consists of equal stripes of blue, white, and sea green, symbolizing the Atlantic Ocean. Canadian recipients were typically naval, merchant navy, or air force personnel. The Atlantic Star was commonly accompanied by campaign clasps, such as “France and Germany” or “Air Crew Europe,” based on additional qualifying service. This full size medal is a significant representation of Canada’s contribution to Allied naval operations during WWII.