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

CPO

Aaron Vaughn (SEAL)

06 Aug 2011

Special Operations Chief (SEAL) Aaron Carson Vaughn was KIA on August 6th, 2011 when a chopper carrying 30 Americans was shot down in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan while rushing into battle. Aaron left behind his wife, Kimberly, and 2 small children; a son, Reagan, who was not quite two years old and a daughter, Chamberlyn, who was only nine weeks old.Aaron was a follower of God and devoted to his family. He loved to work on trucks and spend time with his friends and teammates. His presence is missed by all who knew and loved him.

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LCpl

Rory Dalgliesh

29 Sep 2013

LCpl. Rory Henderson Dalgliesh was born 5/24/90 in Colorado Springs, CO. Grew up in Lake Orion, MI. Graduated Marine boot camp Jan. ’10. Assigned to 2/8 Fox Co., 0311. Completed specialized dog handler training, medical training before deploying to Afghanistan, Jan. ’11. Rory’s unquestionable love, respect for family, friends, brothers/sisters & the Corps is missed more than words can begin to describe. He was an “amazing man who touched so many lives”. “Rory’s baseline was solid, especially under high-pressure situations. I got to know Rory at a very personal level. Rory was filled with optimism and a general sense of purpose and meaning. He often described his aspirations to join the U.S Marine Corps elite MARSOC.” “You and Janice raised an amazing man who touched so many lives. It's because of you so many of us were touched by Rory”. Devastating call came; September 29th. 2013.

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PO2

Kenneth Aaron Smith

21 Aug 2017

Kenneth Aaron Smith, was born on January 27, 1995, died on August 21, 2017. PO2 Kenmeth Smith was killed in the USS MCCain collision with 9 other sailors.

Kenneth was a loving son, sibling and a friend to many. He had a promising future as a fantasy author, and he was already self-published. Kenneth was a huge animal lover, and had several pets throughout his life. Kenneth enjoyed comedy, soccer, theme parks, working out, karaoke, and he was known for his sense of humor. Kenneth was incredibly smart and he had a bright future ahead of him.

Kenneth was loved. He will be missed dearly for the rest of our lives.

His loving mother, April

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PO2

Kittrell White Jr.

09 Aug 2007

On behalf of my son Kittrel Jr, he dedicated his life for service in the United States Navy at the time of his accident. He was beginning to enroll in petty officer school.

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CDR

John DiGiovacchino

23 Jul 2015

John A. DiGiovacchino was born in Woodbury, NJ, and grew up in Clarksboro, NJ, where he attended Kingsway Regional High School. He loved soccer, music, cars and motorcycles. After graduation, he attended The Pennsylania State University where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. He was commissioned in the Navy in September, 1996, and was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1999. He flew the E-2C Hawkeye and had several deployments aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and later after becoming a test pilot, aboard the USS John Stennis participating in several peacetime multinational security exercises. He continued his education, earning an M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering at Wright Patterson Airforce Base in 2005. In 2010 he reported to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD, and was assistant program manager for Systems Engineering working on the E-2D Hawkeye at the time of his death in 2015. He is remembered by his wife, Christine, his brothers Mark and Joe, and his parents, Anthony and Kathy.

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ABH

Hunter Nathaniel Biehle

10 Apr 2020

Aviation Boatswains Mate Handling Hunter Nathaniel Biehle was born in Austin, TX in 1998. He was raised in Lexington, TX where he graduated high school in 2016. Hunter decided to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy in 2019. In the short year he was there he got to live in Illinois, Florida, Japan and his final station at Naval Base Coronado in California. Hunter was very proud of the Lone Star State and expressed it often to other sailors, which earned him the name “Big Tex” by his fellow sailors.

Hunter was passionate about music, fishing, hunting and technology. His favorite pass time was traveling which is what led him to the Navy. Before he joined, he had already visited many other countries, states, and cities, by car, cruises and planes. Hunter got to experience more than most with family & friends and he was always so appreciate of it all.

Although only 22 at the time of his death, Hunter had a profound impact on many people. Hunter genially cared about people in the purest way. He loved them for who they were and wished the best for them without asking for anything in return. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile and compassionate heart. His superiors commented to his family that he was respectful and had a natural ability to make others feel at ease with his friendliness. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and peers.

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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.