How many gold stars are worn for the seventh awarding of the ribbon?

When it comes to the awarding of the gold star device for ribbons, the established protocol states that each star represents an additional award. The first award of a ribbon is represented by a basic ribbon without any stars. For the second award, one gold star is added. This pattern continues where each subsequent award gets an additional gold star. Therefore, by the time a cadet reaches the seventh awarding of a ribbon, they would wear a total of three gold stars, signifying the first six awards, plus the seventh.

This system helps to easily visualize and recognize achievements and service, maintaining a clear hierarchical structure within ribbons awarded. In this context, the correct answer is that three gold stars are worn for the seventh awarding of the ribbon.