Ribbon Question

[ARCOM2]

When did soldiers first start wearing the ribbon for the 1939-45 Star? Was it before the Normandy Invasion or after VE Day? Thanks!

[Tony]

When did soldiers first start wearing the ribbon for the 1939-45 Star? Was it before the Normandy Invasion or after VE Day? Thanks!

Hello and welcome to the forum.

I'd have a guess at it being after the war ended as before Normandy they couldn't have know the war would end less than a year later in Europe and 15 months later in Asia. I believe it was awarded for service between 3rd September 1939 and 2nd September 1945 so was maybe issued at the end of 45 or even 1946 at the earliest.

Tony

[Ed_Haynes]

The 1939-43 Star (as it was then known) ribbon was being worn (along with the ribbon for the Africa Star) as early as 1943 (I have the exact date somewhere in my research notes, let me look). The 1939-43 Star was later renamed when the other stars and medals wer4 added at the end of the war. It is a fascionating tale and interesting research that debunks many of the guesses of the "experts" on a number of points.

[ARCOM2]

Thanks!