The British designed a series of medals in the shape of a star. They were all of metal construction. Bronze color. The front would designate the name of the medal. The top front bears the image of the royal crown. The back was plain. Sometimes the back would contain the name of the owner.

The 1939–45 Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in the Second World War. The medal was awarded for operational service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Army personnel had to complete 6 months service in an operational command. Airborne troops qualified if they had participated in any airborne operations and had completed 2 months service in a fully operational unit. Air Force personnel had to participate in operations against the enemy providing that 2 months service had been completed in an operational unit. Non-aircrew personnel had to complete 6 months service in an area of operational army command.

Naval personnel qualified if they completed 6 months service, and at least 1 voyage was made through an operational area.

Royal Observer Corps personnel for service of 1080 days. The star was immediately awarded if the service period was terminated by death, disability or wounding. The award of a gallantry medal or a Mention in Despatches also led to an immediate award.

British Commonwealth medals are currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of these medals. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.