GOLD STAR ATTACHMENT FOR MEDALS AND RIBBONS

Please note the size associated with the selection you choose to ensure it is appropriate for the decoration on which it will be worn.

Large: 5/16-inch
Small: 3/16-inch (JROTC)
Miniature: 1/8-inch

Gold stars are worn with medals and ribbons issued by the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Air Force to indicate the second and subsequent awards of a particular medal.

Unlike bronze service stars, which can also be used to indicate participation in campaigns or battles, gold stars are used only to indicate subsequent award of Naval personal military decorations only. Gold stars are issued in two sizes: 5/6-inch for wear on the suspension ribbon or ribbon bar and 1/8-inch for wear on the miniature medal.

In 2015, the Air Force authorized gold stars for wear with the Air Force Combat Action Medal (AFCAM) to “recognize subsequent operations when approved by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.” USAF uniform manuals and manual updates published since that time still do not specify the size of the star to be worn on the suspension ribbon of medals or on service ribbons. However, a photograph on the biography page of USAF General Tod Wolters shows a 3/16-inch gold star being worn on the AFCAM service ribbon.

The 3/16-inch gold star is also used as an attachment for JRTOC ribbons.