The Burma Star is awarded for operational service in the Burma Campaign from 11 December 1941 to 2 September 1945. In addition for:
Navy - six months qualifying service for 1939-1945 Star first, then operational service in the Bay of Bengal and in the Malacca Strait;
Army - service on land in Bengal and Assam from 1 May 1942 to 31 December 1943, areas of Bengal and Assam east of the Brahmaputra from 1 January 1944 to 2 September 1945 and operational service in China and Malaya from 16 February 1942 to 2 September 1945; and
Air Force - one operational sortie for aircrew and qualifying service as for Army for other Air Force personnel.
 
Clasps
The Pacific clasp was issued for the Burma Star.
When the ribbon is worn alone a silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a clasp to the medal.