The Arizona State Legislature has created the Arizona Gold Star Military Medal to honor Arizona members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America who have been killed in action since Arizona became a State on February 14, 1912. 

Criteria

A member of the United States Armed Forces, military Reserves, or Arizona National Guard who was a legal resident of this state at the time the member was killed in action or died in the line of duty while deployed in support of combat operations from and after February 13, 1912 is eligible to receive the Arizona Gold Star Military Medal. Only one medal will be issued to the next-of-kin per qualifying individual.

The Arizona Gold Star Military Medal may be awarded on behalf of the people of this state to an individual who was involved in one of the following:

• Engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
• Engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
• Serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
• Serving in a combat zone as designated by a presidential order.

Application

The families of qualifying individuals applying for the Arizona Gold Star Military Medal must complete an application form and forward the request along with a copy of DD Form 1300- Casualty Report, attesting to the fact that the qualifying individual was a resident of the State of Arizona at the time of death. In addition, the request must include a copy of proof of relationship as father, mother, marriage, baptismal certificates, or a notarized certificate which clearly show relationship.

If you meet the criteria for this award and would like to apply to receive it, please download, print and complete the form on page 1 of the application document and mail it with the documents named above to:

Arizona Gold Star Military Medal

c/o Arizona Department of Veterans' Services

1688 W. Adams Street

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Once eligibility has been verified, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services will contact primary next-of-kin to schedule a presentation ceremony if desired.