Kerry's VN Medals

[Infantry Grunt 1968-69]

Does anyone have the picture of Kerry's medals that are supposed to be on his website. I've looked but can't find it. Particularly interested in the Silver Star w/ V, and the VN Service Medal with the four bronze service stars. Thanks

[Belisaurius]

Just empty out a box of band-aids on the other side of a fence.

[RangerVetNam]

Good question, I never saw a Silver Star with a "V" device. Isn't that like a Medal of Honor with a V device...redundant!

[USMCBOMBGUY]

It does, but the device distinguishes between combat and non combat related. The Medal Of Honor and Silver Star are really only received during times of war but is not always limited to combat. Its not the same for others such as the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation and such. So the device would distinguish those that awarded for combat action and those that are not.

[RangerVetNam]

Are you serious that the Silver Star can be awarded to someone during wartime but not in combat. I have never heard that or seen a Silver Star with V device, and Ive seen quite a few.

[Semper Vigilantis]

Silver Star with V device was discussed last week with links: http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1195373/posts

[Chode]

FOUR Stars on his web site would be VERY INTERSTING INDEED since the pictures of him testifying to congress ONLY HAVE TWO STARS!!!

[USMCBOMBGUY]

Its not common, it happens usually with the Bronze Star and below, they are more commonly given out for non combat related awards, but when they are given out for a combat related incidents they are given the combat distinguishing device to highlight that. For the Silver, it may not always be given or worn due to the nature of it precludes it to be a combat award. This is not always the case though. There has been EOD technicians who have received it for their valor who were not directly in combat. In addition I know of one case that a soldier had received 3 bronze stars along with some other awards who was later (by the VA I think) given a Silver Star upon receiving his fourth bronze Star. That was not given directly related to combat, so it wouldn't get the combat distinguishing device. Does that make some sense? I have tried to figure out the awards manual several times and at some points it is foggy.

[USMCBOMBGUY]

I don't know what the regulations were then, I have seen the V given out recently on a Silver Star so I cant honestly say what the deal is with Kerry. And with all things Military, mistakes are made and regulations change with each reread.

Semper Fi

[RangerVetNam]

What you say about EOD guys makes some sense. In the Army that scenario would probably qualify for the Soldiers Medal given for bravery not directly attributable to combat. I am very familiar with the whole "V" device thing for the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Air Medal, etc. although I think there may be some subtle differences between the Navy/USMC and the Army implementation. Oh well it was too long ago for me to remember all of the particulars. Thanks.

[clamper1797]

I'm curious ... does kerry even qualify for the Campaign medal ... the green and white one. I thought you had to be in country for at least six months to qualify ... maybe because of his time on the Gridley

[AbnSarge]

If you look at his DD214 on his web site, it shows the VN Service Medal and 4 bronze campaign stars. I can only find three campaigns during his time aboard the Gridley and swifts that he would have rated.

[Semper Vigilantis]

Yes, they do change. That made me wonder if the SS with V device was authorized in a later reg so Kerry could request the change to his DD214, but the copy of the DD215 he filed in 2000 does not address this.

[clamper1797]

Answered it myself ...

Six months service is not required for individuals who were wounded by hostile forces; killed in action or otherwise in line of duty; or captured by hostile forces.

[RangerVetNam]

I think the green and white campaign ribbon was authorized for people in the theater (eg. ships off shore) so his time on the Gridley probably counts. Never paid too much attention to the two "I've Been There" ribbons, you got those for just showing up, but there must have been rules for them too.

[Delta 21]

Depending on the citation you get an extra gold star for evey five years you trick everyone into believing you actually got it legitimatly.

[Chode]

very true... but it would mean even MORE Stolen Valor and another lie!!!
is there such a picture with four stars???

[clamper1797]

Yeah ... I know ... I have 4 rows of "Gedunk" medals myself