VALOR DEVICE

The 'Valor device', also known as a 'combat distinguishing device', 'V-device', '"V" device', and 'Combat V', is an award of the United States military which is authorized by the military services as an attachment to certain awards and decorations.

Contents

Criteria

History

Notes

Notable recipients

Criteria

The Valor device denotes those individuals who were awarded a decoration in recognition of valorous act performed during direct combat with an enemy force. It may also denote an accomplishment of a heroic nature in direct support of operations against an enemy force. Generally, the Valor device is for specific heroic acts during or supporting direct combat with the enemy. The award must also be personally recommended by a superior and is not an automatic decoration or upgrade.
An example of medals which are authorized the Valor device are the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Commendation Medals, the Air Medal, Achievement Medal, and certain unit awards. Awards which are bestowed for valor, such as the Medal of Honor and Silver Star are never awarded with the Valor device since valor is indicated by the award itself.
The Valor device is awarded as a single, one-time decoration only. A service member may not receive several Valor devices on the same decoration.

History

The first Valor devices were authorized in 1944 as an attachment to the Bronze Star Medal. Since then, the Valor device is authorized to medals which are awarded both for combat and non-combat actions. This is to distinguish those who were awarded a decoration through combat, compared to those who were awarded a medal for support roles or meritorious service.
In 1996, the Valor device gained public attention after Admiral Jeremy Boorda committed suicide, apparently from media reports that he had worn the Valor device without authority. Boorda had placed the Valor device on his Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medal for services rendered during the Vietnam War as an afloat Commanding Officer. Although some indications were that Boorda was authorized to wear them, the Board For Correction Of Naval Records ultimately determined that he was not. ^[1]
2004 presidential candidate John Kerry claimed to have been awarded a Valor device on his Silver Star for his service in Vietnam.^[2]. Because Valor devices are not authorized for the Silver Star medal as it is always awarded for valor, it drew harsh criticism from those opposed to his campaign. Kerry is authorized the Valor device on his Bronze Star (on which the valor "V" is authorized).

Notes

1. http://boards.law.af.mil/NAVY/BCNR/CY1998/06956-98.pdf
2. Holzer, Henry Mark and Erika: John Kerry's Mysterious Combat “V”, FrontPage Magazine, August 20 2004

Notable recipients

★ Jeremy Michael Boorda

★ Daniel Brandenstein

★ Ray Davis

★ Michael Hagee

★ Joseph P. Hoar

★ Dr. Richard Jadick

★ John Kerry

★ Charles C. Krulak

★ Tommy Franks

★ Douglas MacArthur

★ Richard Marcinko

★ Chesty Puller

★ Robert L. Stewart

★ Oliver Stone

★ Ira Hayes

★ Strom Thurmond

★ Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.

★ William Guarnere

★ David H. Hackworth

★ John P. Murtha

★ Hugh Shelton

★ Peter Pace