The Pacific Star was awarded for operational service in the Pacific between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.  This medal was also awarded for certain specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra: between 8 December 1941 and 25 December 1941 (for Hong Kong); between 8 December 1941 and 15 February 1942 (for China and Malaya); and between 8 December 1941 and 23 March 1942 (for Sumatra). Second World War service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra after the above end dates was recognised by the award of the Burma Star.

Personnel qualifying for both the Pacific Star and the Burma Star were awarded the first star they qualified for, and a clasp in respect of the second star. The Phoenix Islands, Samoa, Fiji, the New Hebrides, the Cocos/Keeling Islands and New Caledonia are not qualifying areas for the Pacific Star.  Instead service on these islands qualified towards the award of the Defence Medal.