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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.

The lapel pin was established by Congress in 1965 to identify widows, parents and next of kin of service members killed in combat. While enacted during the Vietnam War, the award authority is retroactive to World War I, and includes most subsequent conflicts.

While soldiers always have been eligible for the pin, Army regulations have restricted its wear to civilian attire.

Under the recent change in policy, the pin is authorized for wear on the green uniforms of soldiers who have lost a spouse, mother, father, child or step-child to combat.

An interim change to Army Regulation 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms), requires enlisted soldiers to wear the pin centered vertically and horizontally on the left lapel of the green uniform.

Officers should wear the pin centered on the left lapel one-quarter of an inch below their branch insignia.