C10.3.4.1. A design for the Service flag is approved, as follows:
C10.3.4.1.1. Flag for Immediate Family. On a white rectangular field a blue star or stars within a red border.
C10. CHAPTER 10
APPURTENANCES
C10.1. SERVICE DEVICES
Devices are affixed to service or suspension ribbons
to denote additional awards or participation in a specific event. Numerous
devices have been authorized for the various decorations and service awards
awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States. In most instances,
the Services determine the manner in which these devices shall be worn. However,
in the case of Defense awards, the devices to be worn are determined by the
ASD(FMP). The devices that have been authorized for wear on the service and
suspension ribbons of Defense awards are:
C10.1.1. Oak-Leaf Cluster. Oak-leaf clusters are
issued in three sizes and two colors. The larger size is worn on the suspension
ribbon of the medal, the middle size on the service ribbon, and the smaller size
on the miniature medals and ribbons. The two colors are bronze and silver. The
bronze oak-leaf cluster is used for the 2nd through the 5th, 7th through 10th,
etc., entitlement or award. A silver oak-leaf cluster is used for the 6th, 11th,
and so forth, entitlement or award, or instead of five bronze oak-leaf clusters.
The oak-leaf cluster is worn on the service and suspension ribbon of all Defense
decorations and the JMUA (with the exception of the Coast Guard).
C10.1.2. Service Stars. The service star is a bronze
or silver five-pointed star, 3/16 inch in diameter. A silver star is worn
instead of five bronze service stars. The service star is worn on the Prisoner
of War Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Humanitarian
Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal,
and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
C10.1.3. Antarctica Service Medal Clasp. That is a
bronze, gold, or silver bar, 1/4-inch wide and 1/2-inches long, bearing the
words "Wintered Over." It is worn only on the suspension ribbon of the medal.
The clasp is authorized for personnel who stay on the Antarctic continent during
the winter months. The bronze clasp represents the first winter-over, the gold
clasp the second winter, and the silver clasp the third and later winters. Only
one clasp may be worn on the suspension ribbon.
C10.1.4. "V" (Valor) Device. That device is a metallic
bronze, letter "V" that represents valor. It is worn on the suspension and
service ribbon of the JSCM when the medal was awarded for acts or service
involving direct participation in combat operations on or after June 25, 1963.
(When worn with gold stars, the "V" device is always worn centered on the
service ribbon. When worn with oak-leaf clusters, the "V" device is worn to the
wearer's right of the clusters. Only one "V" device is worn, regardless of the
number of times earned.).
C10.2. GOLD STAR LAPEL BUTTON
C10.2.1. The Gold Star Lapel Button authorized by 10
U.S.C. 1126 (reference (uu)) 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. The button shall be available with
pin-joint and safety-catch fastener or with pin and clutch-type fastener at the
option of the recipient. (That button is identical to those previously
authorized, except for the date of enactment inscribed on the reverse. Gold Star
Lapel Buttons inscribed "August 1947" may be issued until present inventories
are exhausted.)
C10.2.2. The Gold Star Lapel Button shall be
distributed to the widow, widower (remarried or not), each parent (mother,
father, stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father through
adoption, and foster parents who stood in loco parentis), each child, each
brother, each sister, each half-brother, each half-sister, each step-child, and
each adopted child of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who lost
his or her life under any of the following conditions:
C10.2.2.1. During World War I, World War II, or any
subsequent period of armed hostilities in which the United States was engaged
before July 1, 1958.
C10.2.2.2. While engaged in an action against an enemy
of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict
with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in
an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party against
an opposing armed force any time since June 30, 1958.
C10.3. SERVICE FLAG AND LAPEL BUTTON
C10.3.1. Definitions. For this section, the following
definitions apply:
C10.3.1.1. Members of the Immediate Family. Includes
wife, husband, mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, parent through adoption,
foster parents who stand or stood in loco parentis, children, stepchildren,
children through adoption, brothers, sisters, half brothers, and half sisters of
a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
C10.3.1.2. Organization. Includes those group
organizations such as churches, schools, colleges, fraternities, sororities,
societies, and places of business with which the member of the Armed Forces of
the United States was or is associated.
C10.3.2. Policy
C10.3.2.1. The Service flag authorized by Section 176,
title 36, U.S.C. (reference (vv)) may be displayed in a window of the place of
residence of persons who are members of the immediate family of Service members
serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any period of war or
hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States may be engaged, for
the duration of such period of war or hostilities.
C10.3.2.2. The Service flag may be displayed by an
organization to honor the members of that organization serving in the Armed
Forces of the United States during any period of war or hostilities in which the
Armed Forces of the United States may be engaged, for the duration of such
period of war or hostilities.
C10.3.2.3. The Service Lapel Button authorized by 10
U.S.C. 1123 (reference (n)) may be worn by members of the immediate family of
Service members serving in the Armed Forces of the United States during any
period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces of the United States may
be engaged, for the duration of such period of war or hostilities.
C10.3.3. Delegation of Authority. The Secretary of the
Army is hereby designated to act as the Executive Agent of the Secretary of
Defense for granting certificates of authority for the manufacture and sale of
Service flags and Service Lapel Buttons conforming to the approved design
described herein; providing appropriate design instructions to manufacturers;
and administering the provisions of 36 U.S.C. 181 (reference (ww)), under which
any person, firm, or corporation who manufactures such Service flag or Service
Lapel Button without having first obtained such a certificate of authority, or
otherwise violates reference (ww), shall, on conviction thereof, be fined not
more than 1,000 dollars.
C10.3.4. Design
C10.3.4.1. A design for the Service flag is approved,
as follows:
C10.3.4.1.1. Flag for Immediate Family. On a white
rectangular field a blue star or stars within a red border.
C10.3.4.1.1.1. The number of blue stars shall
correspond to the number of Service members from the "immediate family" who are
symbolized on the flag.
C10.3.4.1.1.2. The flag horizontally displayed shall
have the stars arranged in a horizontal line or lines with one point of each
star up (Figure C10.F1.).
C10.3.4.1.1.3. The flag described in paragraphs
C10.3.4.1.1.1. and C10.3.4.1.1.2., above, may be displayed vertically (Figure
C10.1.).
C10.3.4.1.1.4. 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
(Figure C10.F1.).
C10.3.4.1.2. Flag for Organizations. The flag for
organizations shall correspond to that described for an immediate family in
paragraphs C10.3.4.1.1.1. through C10.3.4.1.1.4., above, subject to the
following additional provisions:
C10.3.4.1.2.1. 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.
C10.3.4.1.2.2. If any Service members are deceased, as
determined under the circumstances cited in paragraph C10.3.4.1.1.4., 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 (Figure C10.F1.). Below that star shall be
the Arabic numerals.
C10.3.4.1.2.3. 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.
C10.3.4.1.3. Color and Relative Proportions. 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.
C10.3.2.2. Service Lapel Button. The Service Lapel
Button shall be a blue star on a white rectangular field within a red border,
3/16 inch x 3/8 inch in over-all size (Figure C10.F1.) The shades of colors and
the detailed dimensions shall be in accordance with manufacturing instructions
furnished to licensed manufacturers by the Department of the Army.
C10.3.5. Display of the Service Flag
C10.3.5.1. 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.
C10.3.5.2. When the Service flag is displayed other
than by being flown from a staff, it shall be suspended either horizontally or
vertically.
C10.3.5.3. 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.
C10.3.5.4. For cautions against the improper use of
the Service flag, users should be guided generally by Section 176 of title 36,
U.S.C. (reference (vv)), which apply to the flag of the United States of
America.
C10.3.6. Wearing of the Service Lapel Button
C10.3.6.1. The blue star of the Service lapel button
worn by members of the immediate family shall signify that one or more Service
members are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States under the
conditions specified in paragraph C10.3.2.3., above. Multiple blue stars are not
authorized.
C10.3.6.2. A person eligible to wear the Gold Star
Lapel Button, section C10.2., above, may wear the Service lapel button in
conjunction therewith, if that person is also entitled to wear the Service Lapel
Button under paragraph C10.3.2.3., above. A gold star is not authorized as part
of the Service Lapel Button.
C10.3.7. Application for Licensing
C10.3.7.1. 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.
C10.3.7.2. 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 this chapter. The certificate of authority shall refer
to Section 181 of title 36, U.S.C. (reference (ww)).
C10.3.7.3. 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.
C10.3.8. Purchase of Service Flag and Service Lapel
Button. Service flags and Service Lapel Buttons must be procured from commercial
sources. The Government does not have authority to manufacture, issue, or sell
Service flags or Service Lapel Buttons.
DoD 1348.33-M, 12 September 1996
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