Awarded for any service performed between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 provided such service was performed in the geographical theater areas of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. For those service members who participated in multiple battle campaigns, service stars are authorized to the decoration with the arrowhead device awarded for any airborne or amphibious operations performed. The Fleet Marine Force combat operation insignia is also authorized for certain sailors.

The following campaigns are recognized by service stars to the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal:

• Egypt-Libya: 11 Jun 42 - 12 Feb 43
• Air Offensive, Europe: 4 Jul 42 - 5 Jun 44
• Algeria-French Morocco: 8-11 Nov 42
• Tunisia: 12 Nov 42 - 13 May 43
• Sicily: 14 May 43 - 17 Aug 43
• Naples-Foggia: 18 Aug 43 - 21 Jan 44
• Anzio: 22 Jan 44 - 24 May 44
• Rome-Arno: 22 Jan 44 - 9 Sep 44
• Normandy: 6 Jun 44 - 24 Jul 44
• Northern France: 25 Jul 44 - 14 Sep 44
• Southern France: 15 Aug 44 - 14 Sep 44
• Northern Apennines: 10 Sep 44 - 4 Apr 45
• Rhineland: 15 Sep 44 - 21 Mar 45
• Ardennes-Alsace: 16 Dec 44 - 25 Jan 45
• Central Europe: 22 Mar 45 - 11 May 45
• Po Valley: 5 Apr 45 - 8 May 45

For those service members who did not participate in a designated battle campaign, the following "blanket campaigns" are authorized to the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, denoted by service stars:

• Antisubmarine: 7 Dec 41 - 2 Sep 45
• Ground Combat: 7 Dec 41 - 2 Sep 45
• Air Combat: 7 Dec 41 - 2 Sep 45