[csaanv]

Amvet Gson,
Would it be possible to upload a photo of your flag as it would help to evaluate it. Nick, I have a couple of old 48's that the stars have turned tan or gold too.

[keithlcms]

Let me add an item to this conversation. I am a member of the American Legion here in Greenfield, Iowa. Our post unfurls over 350 flags in our avenue of flags in our cemetery every Memorial Day. We have two gold star flags in our collection. While we were putting away the flags today, I specifically examined the two gold star flags. As did a few other people. I can tell you we all agreed the stars were not faded. And we looked at them closely. That they were indeed cut from material that was a dark gold in color. The World War II veterans in our post also affirm that they will unequivocally stand on the position that these flags were, in fact, presented to servicemen from our community who were killed in action during World War II. I admit this does not settle the matter. And I'm not certain it can be. However, I truly believe -- right or wrong -- that at least for some period of time, these flags were presented during the World War II years. The only other time I know the American flag carried gold stars was during the years of the American Civil War when the country was divided. I do know that was an act of Congress until the war was over and the stars returned to being white.

[NAVA1974]

Originally Posted by keithlcms

The only other time I know the American flag carried gold stars was during the years of the American Civil War when the country was divided. I do know that was an act of Congress until the war was over and the stars returned to being white.

Keith,
That is very interesting as I have never heard of this Congressional Act. Where did you learn of this? Can you identify the law?

I always assumed that stars on military standards / colors were gold because they had to be painted on the silk flags, and silver paint would just tarnish to black. As gold does not tarnish it maintains its strong contrast against the dark blue silk field.

Nick

[csaanv]

Keithlcms,
Is there any way you post us a photograph of the flag with the gold stars? This would be an interesting story for Flag day, June 12.

[Josey]

I too have a U.S. 48 star casket flag with gold stars. The stars are all gold on one side and all white on the other. I obtained this flag along the veterans Purple Heart medal and the accompanying paperwork. He was KIA in Europe on D-Day +2

Here is what I have been able to find out about these gold star flags:

The U.S. contracted with european tailors and seamstresses to make the flags that they knew would be needed. It was wrongly assumed through bad or mis-communication that these flags would have gold stars on them because of thier knowledge of Gold Star Mothers.

The U.S. caught the mistake early in production but opted to use the flags with the gold stars anyway because of the short supply.

The gold star flags are found with the following variations. All gold stars on both sides.....alternating gold and white stars on both sides....all gold on one side and all white on the other (only 2 of this variation are known to exist).

Since these flags are rare and carry some value it wouldn't surprise me that someone may fake one to sell to an unsuspecting buyer. The real gold star casket flags are easy to identify by the fact that the stitching around the stars are white and the material will not glow under a black light.

[Robin Hickman]

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Hello!


I've always assumed the American Flags with Gold Stars in the Union were a variation specifically made for "presentation" or "ceremonial" purposes. My main thought along those lines was that the "presentation" Gold Star Flags were given (presented) to "Gold Star Mothers".

I do not have any "proof" of any of this, mind you, but it has always made a certain amount of sense to me. Both for the "Gold Star" connection and that the Gold Star Flags were "special" and not meant for ordinary, every day Flag flying (if you know what I mean!).


Thank you for ALL of the additional information! Keep up the good work !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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[Josey]

I've always assumed the American Flags with Gold Stars in the Union were a variation specifically made for "presentation" or "ceremonial" purposes. My main thought along those lines was that the "presentation" Gold Star Flags were given (presented) to "Gold Star Mothers".

I do not have any "proof" of any of this, mind you, but it has always made a certain amount of sense to me. Both for the "Gold Star" connection and that the Gold Star Flags were "special" and not meant for ordinary, every day Flag flying (if you know what I mean!).

Robin,
What you write makes sense, but think about this. If these flags were made to be presented to the "Gold Star Mothers" I would think that there would be a bunch of these flags and there are not.

Also, the gold star flags are not uniform in thier manufacture like you would think they should be if made in the U.S. for such a special presentation.

Now, with all that being said, am I 100% positve of my findings? No. This is one these situations where more research needs to be done before any real definitive answers can be given.

I would be interested in knowing how many members here own one of these gold star flags though.

Josey

[Robin Hickman]

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Hi, Josey!


Welcome to the USA-Flag-Site Forums !!!


I know VERY little about "Gold Star" Flags, their origins, purposes, numbers, manufacture, etc. Heck! I've never even seen one! I think NOW that perhaps I should have said something in my first post about my relative ignorance regarding them.

Thank You for bringing some additional information about the "Gold Star" Flags to our Forum here.

As has been pointed out in various other threads scattered about the various forums here, people, communities, companies, etc, sometimes have a tendency to "personalize" or "customize" their Flags, especially on important or significant occassions. I wouldn't be at all surprised if at least some of the "Gold Star" Flags became that way because of that. But then, I don't know all that much about them.


Anyway, THANX for the "Gold Star" enlightenment !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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[Josey]

Hi, Josey!


Welcome to the USA-Flag-Site Forums !!!

Thank you!

I will try and make some time this weekend to photograph my flag and post some pics here with a good close up of the stars.

Josey

[Robin Hickman]

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Hi, Josey !


QUOTE : "I will try and make some time this weekend to photograph my flag and post some pics here with a good close up of the stars."


EXCELLENT !!!


I look forward to seeing them !!!


Robin Hickman
Eugene, Oregon, USA
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