[14] After their victory in North Africa, the Allies used their positions in Tunisia and Malta to invade Sicily, a campaign that lasted from 10 July to 17 August 1943.

After this swift victory, the Allies pressed on into Italy on 3 September 1943, they also invading Italian-occupied Greece, Yugoslavia, Corsica and Sardinia.

[15][16] The Italy Star was instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for award to those who had served in operations during the Italian Campaign, from the capture of Pantelleria on 11 June 1943 to the end of active hostilities in Europe on 8 May 1945.

[2] The qualifying sea areas for the award of the Italy Star were the Mediterranean Command, the Aegean, and Albanian and Cretan waters between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945 inclusive.

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

[2][15] No prior time qualification was required for service on land, with qualifying service by Army, Naval shore-based and Royal Air Force non-air crew personnel being entry into an operational area as part of the establishment in the following areas, all dates inclusive:[2][3] Army personnel who entered Austrian territory during the closing stages of hostilities in Europe were eligible for the Italy Star, and not for the France and Germany Star.

The qualification for flying personnel posted or employed on air transport or ferrying duties was at least three landings in any of the qualifying areas during the stipulated dates.

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.