gold star

Etymology
from the star shape of the award and its colour, representing the highest of three levels: gold, silver, bronze.

Noun

 * 1) An award for outstanding achievement.
 * 2)  A relative of a U.S. soldier when the latter has been killed in action.
 * a gold-star mother

Coordinate terms

 * gold
 * gold medal
 * gold medallion
 * Gold Star

Related terms

 * silver star
 * bronze star