Star medal investigation

The Defence Medal was awarded for six months non-operational service in the armed forces, civil defence and non defence services that experienced war-like activity and/or for twelve months service outside Australia. 5,500 named Defence Medals were awarded to members of the Royal Australian Navy. 65,690 Defence Medals were awarded to those from the Australian Army [AIF] and 11,202 were awarded to members of the Royal Australian Air Force who served between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945

Approximately 250,000 Australians were granted the War Medal