What is a Gold Star Lapel Pin?
The Gold Star Lapel Pin is a pin issued by the Army to a widow or widower, to each of the parents, each child, stepchild, child through adoption, brother, half-brother, sister, and half-sister of a Service member who lost his or her life while serving in war; periods of armed hostilities; while engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with an opposing foreign force; while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party against an opposing armed force; who lost their lives as a result of an international terrorist attack; or while serving in a military operation outside the U.S. as part of a peacekeeping force.
What is a Next of Kin Lapel Button?
Is a lapel button issued by the Army to each widow or widower, to each of the parents, each child, stepchild, child through adoption, brother, half-brother, sister, and half-sister of a Service member who lost his or her life while on active duty or while assigned in USAR or ARNG units in a drill status. The term "widow or widower" includes those who have since remarried, and the term "parents" includes mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father through adoption, and foster parents who stood in loco parentis.
How do a get a replacement Gold Star Lapel Pin or Next of Kin Lapel Button?
Requests for replacements can be sent to the Army Human Resources Command. For instructions on submitting a request please go to:
HRC Gold Star Lapel Buttons and next of Kin Lapel Buttons
(Current as of 6 May 2020)