"V" device
| "V" Device | |
|---|---|
The "V" (Valor) device
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| Awarded by United States | |
| Type | Ribbon device |
| Awarded for | to denote valor or combat service |
| Status | In use |
| Statistics | |
| First awarded | 1945 |
| Last awarded | Current |
The "V" Device is a miniature 1⁄4 inch letter "V" with serifs that is authorized by the United States Armed Forces as a ribbon device for a defined set of decorations.
The Army and Air Force version is bronze and referred to as the "V" Device. The Coast Guard version is also bronze but referred to as the Valor Device. The Navy and Marine Corps version is gold and referred to as the Combat Distinguishing Device or Combat "V". The criteria for and wear of the "V" device differs among the services.
The "V" device must be specifically authorized in the award citation for wear on the decoration. Although a service member may be cited for heroism in combat and be awarded more than one decoration authorizing the device, only one "V" device may be worn on each award. The "V" device may also be authorized for the Air Medal by all the services where heroism in aerial combat was involved on an individual mission. The criteria for the device vary between the services:
The bronze "V" is positioned to the right of any bronze or silver oak leaf clusters from the wearer's perspective, or positioned in center of the service ribbon if worn alone. The following examples depict decorations that were awarded with the "V" Device in at least one instance:
For the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the "V" is always worn in the center of the service ribbon, while any gold or silver 5⁄16 Inch Stars are added in balance to the right and left of the "V" starting with the right side from the wearer's perspective. The Navy and Marine Corps use an anodized gold version, while the Coast Guard uses a bronze version like the Army and Air Force. The following examples depict decorations that were awarded with the device in at least one instance:
The following medals including the Joint Service Commendation Medal are authorized the "V" device if applicable:
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