Navy Gold Star Program Information & Resource Site

Navy Gold Star is the Navy’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Sailors who pass while on Active Duty. If you are visiting this page because you are a surviving family member of a deceased service member, please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and gratitude for your loved one’s service and sacrifice in defending our nation . . .

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Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Navy Gold Star Coordinators provide support to families around the world. Find a coordinator near you.

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Navy Gold Star Tributes

PO2

Michael J. Gibbs

16 Feb 2009

Petty Officer Michael J. Gibbs was a man of humility and good character. Michael was a determined man who chose to create a better life for himself outside of his social norm by joining the United States Navy immediately after graduating from C.A. Johnson High School in 2001. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised by his mother, Ms. Barbara Kanzater. Michael achieved great accomplishments during his time in the United States Navy, earning notable rank and medals. Michael was a wonderful artist and enjoyed drawing cartoon characters, playing video games, and enjoyed traveling and seeing the world as well as spending quality time with his family. Michael was a loving father to his namesake, Michael J. Gibbs, II and adored his devoted wife, Delia Gibbs who, with a host of family and friends cherishes his memory.

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LTJG

Arthur I. Rule

15 Feb 1953

My Grandparents, Joseph and Iva Rule, had a large bee farm (or Apiary) in Chanute, Kansas, beginning in the late 1930's. My father, Arthur Rule, worked on the farm while in High School, but, after a short deferral to tend to the bees, furthering the war effort, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942. I have been unable to obtain the details of his service during WWII, but he attained the rank of Ensign. After the war, he became a flight instructor for the Navy, graduating his first pilot in 1951, at Malden Air Force Base. During this time, he purchased a surplus Howard DGA/15. He used his plane to pick up about 1.5 million passengers (bees) from Hessmer, La. in the early '50s. He, along with 2 other pilots, was killed in 1953, while returning from a Navy mission. He had attained a rank of LTJG at the time of his death.

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Seaman

Scott Richard Oswalt

16 Feb 1989

Scott was loved by everyone who knew him, and at his memorial it was standing room only totally overwhelming. In both elementary and high school he played baseball, football and was an award winning wrestler. He wanted to serve his country and chose the US Navy for many reasons but mostly because his dad served for four years. We lost Scotty 35 years ago, miss him every day and wonder what it would be like if he was here. He was the best in every way and we are thankful to have had him with us for those nineteen short years. We have a rich military family history serving the country we love back to the revolutionary War and Scott proudly joined the ranks of those past and future.

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CMDR

Russell J. Gates

12 Oct 2000

CMDR Russell J. Gates, US Navy Aviation, Decs, combat jet pilot, flew combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, Northern & Southern Watch, earned Air Medal six times, incl twice with gold stars. Was also Navy Test pilot serving with some of the eventual astronauts. The “Gator” was highly decorated and respected in the Navy aviation community. He saw no difference in the officer ranks vs the enlisted personnel. They were all his “friends”. From his athletic days, he loved the team camaraderie that such discipline entailed. Some years after his demise, people, groups still eulogize his loss. For example, a couple decades after his loss, his high school alma mater recognized him by electing him, posthumously, to its alumni Distinguished Hall of Fame membership. The Gator’s two cousins graduated from Purdue Univ, same as the Gator. They were inspired to follow in their cousin’s footsteps. To this day, Russell’s Gold Star parents still assimilate with several Navy families, all former “friends” of The Gator.

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EOD1

Sean Carson

16 Aug 2012

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CAPT

Ronald Sollock

27 May 2009

A special tribute to CAPT Ronald Sollock, a caring and dedicated husband and dad of two sons. His loving family misses him dearly, including his two grandsons who never met him but who refer to him as “Papi Ron” with much love and pride.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials

Gold Star Family

Susanna, thanks for all you do for the Gold Star Families. . .encouraging Dolores to submit a tribute for our son Rene was just another example of how you are always reaching out to care for and encourage family members to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.Thank you! Bill & Dolores

Gold Star Spouse, California

As a survivor of a military serviceman, I'm so pleased for all of you in supporting and caring for those who have lost their love ones like mine. Your kindness and cooperation is being appreciated.

KRIS ROMEO BISHUNDAT'S FAMILY

Patricia you are perfect for the job you do with the Gold Star Families. Talking to you over the phone felt like I have known you before and meeting you in person validate my feelings. After almost 14 years it means something special to meet other parents and families who have walked our path and the others who are now on that long painful journey our prayers are with all to find comfort.Gold Star Mom and Dad, Maryland

Gold Star Family

'This was a great experience for me. I am so glad I did it. I appreciate all of the work and coordination from everyone involved. Thanks for your program. It meant a lot to me and my husband. We were taken on a tour of the hanger, meet some of the men now in the squadron, and had a very nice time. Thank you very much Sandra.'

Delrio Family

Thank you very much for everything Erick it was a pleasure to meet you in person, I hope that we are able to maintain communication with the Navy Gold Star program that represents so much satisfaction and happiness for us to unite with other families. Hugs

Carol & Andrea

Mrs. Jackson, you're such a blessing. We don't feel forgotten after our loss anymore. We greatly appreciate the moral support you provided to us. Thank you very much for all you do. Carol & Andrea

Judi and Pat, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

We were very happy to see Gold Star Navy in the Resource Room at the Snowball Express in Dallas Texas. Rufus and Stephanie provided valuable information and also helped in the event. Thank you for being there for us.

Gold Star Dad

Thanks Sabrina for your greatful assistance in obtaining gold star pins for me and my family. We do appreciate your hard work in making this possible.