Gold Star Lapel Button
A Gold Star Lapel Button in the United States is an official decoration authorized by an Act of Congress that is issued to the direct next of kin family members of service members who died in World War I, World War II, and subsequent armed hostilities in which the Armed Forces of [the United States] has been engaged. The Gold Star Lapel Button was established by Act of Congress, Public Law 80-306, in August 1947.
A Next of Kin Lapel Button is issued when service members die while on active duty but outside of a qualifying conflict, such as during a training accident.
Award criteria
The issuance of the Gold Star Lapel Button for the next of kin consists the following time periods:One Gold Star Lapel Button will be furnished, without cost, to the widow, widower and to each of the parents, children, brothers, sisters, half brothers, and half sisters.