[1][2] Two clasps were instituted and could be worn on the medal ribbon, Air Crew Europe and France and Germany.

[17][18] The Atlantic Star was instituted in May 1945 to honour those who took part in the Battle of the Atlantic and was intended primarily for award to those who served in shipping convoys and their escorts and anti-submarine forces, as well as to those who served on fast merchant ships which sailed alone.

[4][8][19][20] Two clasps were instituted to be worn on the Atlantic Star's ribbon, 'Air Crew Europe' and 'France and Germany'.

[20][22][24] The obverse has a central design of the Royal Cypher "GRI VI", surmounted by a crown.

A circlet, the top of which is covered by the crown, surrounds the cypher and is inscribed "THE ATLANTIC STAR".

The recipient's details were impressed on the reverse of the stars awarded to Indians, South Africans and, after a campaign led by veteran organisations, to Australians.

[26] In the case of South Africans and Australians, the recipient's force number, initials and surname in block capitals.

They are inscribed "AIR CREW EUROPE" and "FRANCE AND GERMANY" respectively and were designed to be sewn onto the medal's ribbon.