You make the point far better than I could, pzu. How could Air Operations against the enemy in the areas you list not be eligible for the Aircrew Europe Star (particularly Ploesti!)? It seems that these post WWII decisions were both arbitrary and unfair. Naturally the unfairness rankles with those involved in specific campaigns (such as the European Strategic Bombing one) who received a generic rather than specific campaign medal. What is far worse is to be involved in operations within the generic medal's supposed criteria, only to be denied it completely! I sympathise with your Dad and his comrades if they were denied any such campaign Star.