I will soon have in my possession a ribbon bar which includes the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon. On this particular ribbon, there is a silver star and two bronze stars. The way I count this is eight campaigns(?)--ribbon(1) + silver star(5) + bronze stars(2). How common was it to have this many?


On the same bar is the Philippine Liberation ribbon with three stars. Here is information on the award:

The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be met:

-- Participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from October 7-20, 1944; or,

-- Participation in any engagement against the enemy during the Philippine Liberation Campaign; or,

-- Service in the Philippine Islands or in ships in Philippine waters for not less than 30 days during the period of October 17, 1944 to September 2, 1945.


Regarding the wearing of two stars:

Individuals eligible under any two of the above provisions listed above are authorized to wear one bronze star on the ribbon. Personnel eligible under all three provisions may wear two bronze stars on the ribbon.

Would the stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon include those of the Philippine Liberation award?

The ribbon bar also has the American Campaign ribbon.

Thanks.

---Mike

Hi Mike:

I believe that your campaign medal with one silver star and two bronze stars would represent 7 campaigns.

The medal itself would be awarded to anyone in theater, and the first star for the first engagement or operation. Unlike some other medals, the ribbon itself does not count as 1 as far as engagement or operation stars go.

The same is true for the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal.

The wording I found for these medals is:

"participation in one or more operations or engagements was signified by a 3/16th inch bronze star", "a silver star is worn in lieu of five bronze stars".

7 is a lot of engagements, but not really uncommon.

I am afraid that I do not know much about the Philippine Liberation Campaign ribbon so I cannot answer your questions on that.

The Phillipine Liberation Campaign medal was issued by the Phillipine Government so the stars on it would not also be worn or accredited to any US decoration. However any campaigns that warranted a "battle star" by US standards in the Phillipines would be worn on the Asiatic-Pacific Medal.