Since the Japanese held superiority in the Pacific, the Allies were not in a position to strike back and regain a foothold in Burma until early in 1944.

[1][2][16] The eligibility criteria for the award of the Burma Star were different for service at sea, on land and in the air.

[1][2] Certain special conditions applied governing the award of the Burma Star to those Naval personnel who entered operational service less than six months before the end of the War.

[2][12][18] Army and Navy personnel and Air Force ground crew serving ashore qualified through entry into operational service in Burma between 11 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.

[1][2] The medal was also awarded for service during certain specified periods in China, Hong Kong, India, Malaya and Sumatra, all dates inclusive:[16] Service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra after 8 December 1941, but prior to the start dates listed above, was recognised by the award of the Pacific Star.

[18] 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 BURMA 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.

[20] In the case of South Africans and Australians, naming consisted of the recipient's force number, initials and surname in block capitals, with awards to Indians also showing the service arm or corps.