LONG TERM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Gold Star Lapel Button?
Who is eligible to receive the Gold Star Lapel Button?
How do I request a Gold Star Lapel Button or Lapel Button?
What is a DD Form 1300?
How do I request a copy of my Sailor’s DD Form 1300?
How do I add a dependent child to a DD Form 1300?
How do I obtain a copy of the command investigation into my Sailor’s death?
How do I claim reimbursement for travel to my Sailor’s burial ceremony or memorial service?
Am I eligible for a final PCS move?
Gold Star Lapel Buttons and Lapel Buttons for Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel
Q: What is the Gold Star Lapel Button?
A: The Gold Star Lapel Button was established by Act of Congress, Public Law 80-306, and is comprised of a gold star on a purple background, surrounded by gold laurel leaves that is to be presented to eligible next of kin.
Q: Who is eligible to receive the Gold Star Lapel Button?
A: The Gold Star Lapel Button is a pin designed to identify widows, parents, and next of kin of members of the armed forces who:
1) lost their lives during World War I, World War II, or during any subsequent period of armed hostilities in which the United States was engaged before July 1, 1958;
2) lost or lose their lives after June 30, 1958—
a) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
b) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party against an opposing armed force; or
3) lost or lose their lives after March 28, 1973, as a result of—
a) an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of Defense; or
b) military operations while serving outside the United States (including the commonwealths, territories, and possessions of the United States) as part of a peacekeeping force.
Q: How do I request a Gold Star Lapel Button or Lapel Button for Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel?
A: If you are the surviving widow, parent or next of kin of a Sailor who lost their life while on active duty, please send Navy LTAP a signed request providing the following information:
• Sailor’s full name, rank and date of death
• Your name and relationship to the Sailor
• Your contact information (include your name, address, phone number and email address)
• If you are not listed as an Interested Person on the Report of Casualty (DD Form 1300), please include documentation of your relationship to the Sailor.
Please note:
• “widow” includes widower
• “parent” includes mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father through adoption, and foster parents who stood in loco parentis
• “next of kin” includes only children, brothers, sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, stepbrothers and stepsisters
• “children” includes stepchildren and children through adoption
Requests may be sent to LTAP via fax to (901) 874-6654 or email to MILL_LTAP@navy.mil.
Report of Casualty (DD Form 1300)
Q: What is a DD Form 1300?
A: The Report of Casualty (DD Form 1300) is prepared to officially record the death, or missing status of all deceased or missing military personnel, including deceased personnel who were attending a Military Service Academy. Government agencies use the completed DD Form 1300 as the basis for paying benefits, collecting casualty data, and closing out personnel files. A copy of this form may be provided to persons, organizations, or agencies not connected with the Government to settle claims requiring proof of death.
Please note, a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) is not issued when a Sailor dies while on active duty. The DD Form 1300 may be used in place of a DD Form 214 for claims requiring proof of military service.
Q: How do I request a copy of my Sailor’s DD Form 1300?
A: If you are the surviving spouse, child, parent or other beneficiary, please send Navy LTAP a signed request providing the following information:
• Sailor’s name, rank and date of death
• Your name and relationship to the Sailor
• Your contact information (include your name, address, phone number and email address)
• If you are not listed as an Interested Person on the DD Form 1300, please include documentation of your relationship to the Sailor.
Requests may be sent to LTAP via fax to (901) 874-6654 or email to MILL_LTAP@navy.mil.
Q: How do I add a dependent child to a DD Form 1300?
A: If you are the parent, custodian or legal guardian of a minor child and dependent of a deceased Sailor, please send a signed letter of request to LTAP, including documentation of the child’s relationship to the Sailor. (Examples: child’s birth certificate bearing the Sailor’s name as a parent or court order establishing paternity.)
Please contact LTAP at (877) 270-2162 if you have additional questions.
Command Investigations
Q: How do I obtain a copy of the command investigation into my Sailor’s death?
A: If you are the Primary Next of Kin (PNOK), the adult parent or guardian when the PNOK is a minor, or a parent of a Sailor who died while on active duty, you may request a copy of the investigation from the command’s General Court-Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA). Contact your Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) or Navy Gold Star (NGS) coordinator for assistance with your request. If you do not have an active CACO or NGS coordinator, please contact LTAP at (877) 270-2162 for assistance.
Next of Kin Travel and Transportation
Q: How do I claim reimbursement for travel to my Sailor’s burial ceremony or command memorial service?
A: A travel claim is required for reimbursement. Your claim should include a signed and completed Travel Voucher or Subvoucher (DD Form 1351-2), Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) information for direct deposit, and receipts for expenses such as lodging, airfare, parking, tolls, etc. (Please note reimbursement will be limited to expenses allowed under the Joint Travel Regulations.)
Relatives eligible for government-funded travel to a burial ceremony or command memorial service for a deceased Sailor are:
• Surviving spouse
• Children (includes stepchildren, adopted children and illegitimate children)
• Parents (includes the Sailor’s or spouse’s natural parent, stepparent, and adoptive parent)
• Siblings (including half-siblings and adopted siblings)
• Any other person, including a former stepparent, who has stood in loco parentis to the member at any time for a continuous period of at least five years before the member became 21 years of age
Additional persons may be entitled to travel allowances, within specific circumstances.
Your Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) or Navy Gold Star (NGS) coordinator may assist with claim completion and submittal. If you do not have an active CACO or NGS coordinator, or have additional questions, please contact LTAP at (877) 270-2162 for assistance.
Q: Am I eligible for a final PCS move?
A: If you are the surviving spouse or other dependent of a Sailor who died while on active duty within the last three years, you may be eligible for one final move from your Sailor’s last Permanent Duty Station (PDS) to your Home of Selection. This move includes transportation, allowable per diem, and household goods shipment. Your Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) or Navy Gold Star (NGS) coordinator should assist with arrangements. If you do not have an active CACO or NGS coordinator, please contact LTAP at (877) 270-2162 for assistance.