Gold Star Hall Ceremony

Gold Star Hall is the "memorial" in the Memorial Union. In World War I, when a family had a son or daughter in the service, they displayed a card with a simple blue star in their window. When life was lost, the card with the blue star was changed to one with a gold star - hence the name Gold Star Hall. The blue/gold star tradition continues, with military families still displaying these symbols.

When the Memorial Union opened in 1928, the names of the Iowa Staters who died in World War I were carved into the walls. In 1969, the names of WWII casualties were mounted on two bronze doors in the zodiac foyer. In 1984, the bronze doors were removed, and the names from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were engraved into the limestone inside Gold Star Hall. In subsequent years, additional names were engraved for WW I, WW II, Korea, Vietnam, the USS Liberty, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Gold Star Hall embodies the Memorium that the entire building represents.

2024 Honorees

Sidney Peterson – WWII – US Army Air Force

From Ringsted, IA. Worked in steel mills in Chicago. Active in Forestry Club and Military Department’s Trumpet and Drum Corps while at ISU. During training he flew from Brazil to Morocco, flying over the equator. Was very kindhearted, took on his last flight when he could have gone home because someone else was sick. Died aboard a B-26 Marauder after they took on anti-aircraft fire. He was declared MIA (four crewmembers died, two were POW and eventually released). He was awarded a distinguished flying cross, air medal, 10 oak leaf cluster and purple heart. 

Max Harvey Collins – Korean War – US Air Force

From Nevada, IA. Max always wanted to fly, even as a little boy. He loved model airplanes. He studied aeronautical engineering for his major at ISU with a strong secondary interest in photography. Second Lieutenant Collins was the pilot of a F-86E Sabrejet fighter bomber with the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group. On May 4, 1953, while starting combat mission, his aircraft crashed on take-off. 

James Herrick – Vietnam – US Air Force

From Panora, IA. Had 9 children in his family, 8 boys, 1 girl. Recovered fully from Polio as a child. Completed Animal Husbandry bachelors degree and finished his ROTC program with the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant. Flew Douglas Skyraider. Died in Thailand during a recon mission. Family remembers him as a handsome, quiet and kind young man with a heart full of love for animals. 

There will be a reception to follow the ceremony. This is a free event open to the public. The ceremony will not be recorded. A livestream is available here.