What does the V stand for on military ribbons?

A “V” device is a metal 1⁄4-inch (6.4 mm) capital letter “V” with serifs which, when worn on certain decorations awarded by the United States Armed Forces, distinguishes an award for heroism or valor in combat instead of for meritorious service or achievement.

What is the V device on the Bronze Star?

The Bronze Star Medal with the “V” device to denote heroism is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. Although a service member may be cited for heroism in combat and be awarded more than one Bronze Star authorizing the “V” device, only one “V” may be worn on each suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

What is the Army Commendation Medal with V device?

Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with “V” device is awarded for acts of valor which are of lesser degree than required for award of the Bronze Star Medal with “V”. These acts may involve aerial flight. We have identified 51 graduates as recipients of the Army Commendation Medal for Valor or Heroism.

What’s the difference between Medal of valor and Medal of Honor?

The nation’s highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress’ name. By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” can receive the medal.

What does a Bronze Star with AV look like?

The Bronze Star is a 1½-inch diameter star made of bronze and it hangs from a red ribbon with a vertical blue stripe surrounded by thin vertical white stripes. On the reverse of the star is the inscription, “HEROIC OR MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT,” along with the recipient’s name.

Is the V device still used for the Silver Star?

The “V” device will continue to be issued on valor awards less than the Silver Star – the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and service-specific Commendation Medals – for singular acts of combat heroism against an enemy.

What does the V stand for in the Bronze Star?

The device, also known as “V” device, Combat V, or Combat Distinguishing Device, is authorized by all the services. The “V” is used as an attachment to a defined set of awards and decorations at or below the level of the Bronze Star. The Medal of Honor and Silver Star never include a “V” device, because valor is implicit in the award itself.

What kind of medal has a V on it?

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” and four gold 5⁄16 inch stars indicating a total of five awards. The “V” device may be worn on the following decorations and unit awards: In 1944, the Army authorized the “V” Device as an attachment to be worn on the Bronze Star Medal.

Can a soldier get a Bronze Star without Valor device?

Unfortunately, the bronze star without Valor device (Combat V), it has become a “good conduct” award of sorts for some of the services. It was pretty much routine for a US Army soldier to receive a Bronze Star when departing a combat theater (Iraq or Afghanistan) regardless of what they did.