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Gold star survivor: definition prescribed by Secretary of Defense

Division A · Title V: MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY · Subtitle I: Decorations and Awards

Plain-language summaryAI

The Secretary of Defense is given sole authority to define who qualifies as a gold star survivor in regulations. Individuals eligible for a gold star lapel button can be called gold star survivors or members of a gold star family, and all such eligible individuals are collectively referred to as a gold star family. A previous related provision from the 2022 defense authorization act is removed to align with these changes.

AI-generated from this section’s text — a quick orientation, not a substitute for the full text below. Not legal advice.

Section Text · Sec. 581.
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(a) Definition prescribed by Secretary of Defense

Section 1126 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (d)(1), by striking as the Secretaries concerned shall jointly specify in regulations for purposes of this section and inserting as the Secretary of Defense prescribes in regulations .

(b) Reference

Subsection (b) of such section is amended—

(1)

by inserting (1) before Under regulations ; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(2)
(A)

An individual eligible for a gold star lapel button under paragraph (1) may be referred to as a gold star survivor , member of a gold star family , or gold star family member .

(B)

All of the individuals eligible for a gold star lapel button under paragraph (1) because of the loss of the life of one member under any circumstances prescribed in subsection (a) may be referred to as a gold star family .

(c) Conforming amendment

Section 626 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ; 10 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended by striking subsection (c).