Can you wear the Gold Star Lapel Pin on the Navy Uniform?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 11:48:44 -0400

I read recently that the Gold Star Lapel Pin (given those who have lost an immediate family member in the line of service) can be worn on the Army Green Uniform on the left lapel. I have found nothing saying it can be worn on Navy Uniforms. If it can't how can one go about putting a request in for a change?

Response by PO1 John Juarez made Jun 12 at 2015 12:21 AM

PO1 John Juarez — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 00:21:08 -0400

According to U.S. Navy Iniform Regs. it isn't allowed. While not specifically addressed, uniform regs are very specific in which non-military awards may be worn on your uniform. I would suggest you get a hold of a copy of the Uniform regs (either electronic or hard) and read it yourself.
United States Navy Uniform Regulations NAVPERS 15665I
Chapter 5, Section 3, subsections 7 & 11

Response by PO1 John Juarez made Jun 12 at 2015 12:24 AM

PO1 John Juarez — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 00:24:57 -0400

I believe this will answer how you can address this issue.
"We have posted our latest UNIFORM NEWSGRAM. You will notice that with the help of our PAO staff, we have given it a "Facelift". The NEWSGRAM can always be found on our website and can now be found in the electronic version of the "All Hands Magazine".

The "@USNPEOPLE" printed on the NEWSGRAM is the twitter handle for the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel. For direct contact with the Uniform Matters Office (UMO), continue to use the "Ask the Master Chief".

Response by PO2 Jerry Gallagher made Nov 29 at 2015 10:26 PM

PO2 Jerry Gallagher — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 22:26:51 -0500

It is not a Military award and therefore cannot be worn on your uniform.

Response by Denise Meehan made Dec 21 at 2015 1:26 PM

Denise Meehan — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 13:26:53 -0500

Short answer-if you qualify for the Gold Star Lapel Pin, yes you can wear it on your Greens. Left lapel. For Officers, immediately below branch insignia.

Longer answer-
The confusion stems from the "two Gold Star pins". First, there is only one, congressionally chartered, as of 1947- Gold with a purple background, surrounded by laurel wreath. The "other" is actually the Next Of Kin Pin, developed in 1975, officially used by not with uniformity across all branches. It denotes an active duty date in time of war from causes other than enemy contact. So, accidents, training, illness or suicide 'may' qualify for a NoK pin. But, even that definition has become elastic for some, to include any death, any time, any cause even those that have nothing to do with military service, I.e., guy crossing the street while on R&R gets hit by a car and dies...his family received the NoK.

Further complicating matters is the appearance of the two pins. The NoK is a gold star but on a gold background, square shaped. Similar but not to be confused with, in intent, purpose or recognition with the GS Lapel Pin.

The NoK Pin is NOT authorized for wear on a military uniform.

Colloquially and amongst civilians and well meaning VSO's, and NGO's, families of both are referred to as "Gold Star". On the civilian, NGO side, the intent is support of the bereaved. Unfortunately, too many don't know the differences and AD personnel have gotten in trouble and had issues for demanding the 'right' to wear the NoK on their uniforms.

For Navy and Marines-I can't find it in writing, just what I've been told by a Marine SgtMaj whose job was CAO/CNO, it is the same for Marines and presumably for Navy. The "Gold Star Lapel Button" yes, the "NoK" no. As an interesting aside, it was in response to a Marine widow's request the NoK Pin was developed.

For reference-http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20080126/NEWS/801260318/Gold-Star-Lapel-Pin-authorized-uniforms

Gold Star Lapel Pin authorized for uniforms

The Gold Star Lapel Pin has been authorized for wear on the Army green uniform by soldiers who have lost an immediate family member in combat.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 24 at 2017 6:40 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 06:40:43 -0400

For Soldiers