BACKGROUND: Awarded for six months service afloat in the Atlantic or in home waters between September 3, 1939 to August 8, 1945. It was also awarded to air crews who engaged the enemy at sea for a two month period during the same time line. The 1939-1945 Star must have been earned before qualifying for the Atlantic Star.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The medal takes the form of a six-pointed tombac star, 4cm from point to point, suspended from the ring attached to a loop to its uppermost point. To its obverse center is the stylized Royal Cipher "GRI," with "VI" beneath it, surmounted by a King’s crown and with "The Atlantic Star" scrolled around it. The reverse is featureless. The medal comes with original silk ribbon with a shaded and water blue, white and sea green ribbon that is said to represent the Atlantic Ocean and two piece cardboard constructed case.