Gold Star Lapel Button

Gold Star Lapel Button The Gold Star Lapel Button is a United States insignia issued to family members of service members killed in World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan. It connects to traditions exemplified by the Gold Star Mothers Club and commemorative practices tied to Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and state ceremonies such as those held at the Arlington National Cemetery. The button functions as a visible emblem in ceremonies involving the President of the United States, the United States Congress, and military installations like Fort Bragg and Joint Base Andrews.

History

Originating after World War I with service pennants flown by families during World War II, the modern button was created by an act of Congress implemented during the administration of Harry S. Truman and codified by regulations shaped by the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Air Force. Early Gold Star recognition links to organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Legislative developments involving the United States Code and policies from the Department of Defense formalized issuance after conflicts including the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Presidents including Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon have overseen ceremonies where the button featured alongside honors like the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart.

Design and Symbolism

The button's design—featuring a gold star on a purple field—evokes colors and motifs present in awards such as the Purple Heart and memorial devices used at monuments like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Its imagery resonates with practices observed in commemorations at National Mall events and graveside rituals at sites like Gettysburg National Military Park. Artists and craftsmen from firms with ties to military insignia production have referenced aesthetics found in medals awarded during the Spanish–American War and cultural symbols used by groups like the Gold Star Wives of America.

Eligibility and Presentation

Eligibility rules are determined by statutes and Department of Defense regulations for next of kin of service members who died while on active duty or as a result of hostile action in operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The button is presented through channels involving the Department of Veterans Affairs, military casualty assistance officers at installations like Camp Pendleton and Fort Hood, and veterans service organizations including the American Red Cross and the Disabled American Veterans. Presentation ceremonies often involve officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense and may occur alongside interments at Arlington National Cemetery or dedications at state capitols such as California State Capitol.

Variants and Related Awards

Related emblems include the lapel devices issued for surviving family members during earlier conflicts and insignia analogous to the Service Flag and the lapel buttons connected to the Gold Star Mothers Club and Gold Star Wives of America. Other decorations tied to loss and sacrifice—present at memorial services alongside the button—include the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross, and campaign medals from theaters such as the Pacific Theater of World War II and the European theater of World War II. State-level variants and commemorative pins have been produced by organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Legal Status and Wear Regulations

Statutory provisions in the United States Code and implementing directives from the Department of Defense govern issuance, custody, and authorized wear, with guidance echoed in service dress regulations issued by the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, and United States Space Force. Regulations address when the button may be worn at formal events presided over by officials including the President of the United States, members of the United States Congress, state governors, and commanders of installations such as Naval Station Norfolk. Penalties and controls over reproduction and misuse intersect with federal statutes and policies enforced by agencies like the Federal Trade Commission when commercial misrepresentation occurs.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States