Design of flag for immediate family member. On a white rectangular field a blue star or stars within a red border.
The number of blue stars shall correspond to the number of Service members from the "immediate family" who are symbolized on the flag.
The flag horizontally displayed shall have the stars arranged in a horizontal line or lines with one point of each star up.
The flag may also be displayed vertically.
If the Service member symbolized is killed or dies while serving, from causes other than dishonorable, the star representing that individual shall have superimposed thereon a gold star of smaller size so that the blue forms a border. When the flag is suspended, as against a wall, the gold star shall be to the right of, or above, the blue star.
Design of Flags for Organizations. The flag for organizations shall correspond to that described for an immediate family, above, subject to the following additional provisions:
Instead of using a separate star for each Service member, one star may be used with the number of Service members indicated by Arabic numerals, which shall appear below the star.
If any Service members are deceased, as determined under the circumstances cited above, a gold star shall be placed nearest the staff, or above the blue star in the case of a flag used in a vertical display. Below that star shall be the Arabic numerals.
The gold stars in both cases shall be smaller than the blue stars so that the blue shall form a border. The numerals in all cases shall be in blue.
Display of the Service Flags. The Service flag shall be treated with dignity and respect. When displayed with the flag of the United
States, the Service flag shall be of approximately equal size, but never larger than the flag of the United States. The flag of the United States shall occupy the position of honor.
When the Service flag is displayed other than by being flown from a staff, it shall be suspended either horizontally or vertically.
Users are cautioned against the use of the Service flag for advertising purposes. It shall not be embroidered on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs; etc., printed, or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discarded; or used as any portion of a costume or athletic uniform. Advertising signs shall not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the Service flag is flown.
Size and Colors of the Flag. DOD has designated the Department of the Army as the controlling agency permission to manufacture and sell service flags and lapel buttons. The shades of colors used in the flag and the relative proportions shall be in accordance with manufacturing instructions furnished to licensed manufacturers by the Department of the Army. Applicants desiring to enter into the manufacture and sale of the Service flag or the Service Lapel Button should address applications to the
Director, The Institute of Heraldry,
9325 Gunston Road, Suite 112,
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5576.
A certificate of authority to manufacture and sell the Service flag or the Service Lapel Button shall be granted only on agreement in writing by the applicant that he or she shall not deviate in the manufacture or sale of the approved official Service flag or Service Lapel Button, as described in the DOD Manual. Drawings and instructions for the Service flag and the Service Lapel Button shall be provided to manufacturers with the issuance of their certificates of authority.
Gold Star Lapel Button
The Gold Star Lapel Button is made up of a gold star 1/4 inch in diameter mounted on a purple disk 3/4 inch in diameter. The star is surrounded by gold laurel leaves in a wreath 5/8 inch in diameter. The opposite side bears the inscription, "United States of America Act of Congress, August 1966," with space for engraving the initials of the recipient.
