As I understand it doesn't both the silver and bronze star medal also attach a "V" for valor if it was awarded for being under fire at the time? I haven't seen the "V" mentioned for either of Kerry's medals.
Yes, you are correct. Thurlow thought his was awarded for bringing the grounded boat back to base, which leads me to believe he never even read the citation and if he did thought that it was for another action. A V has never been mentioned that I am aware of.
If they were able and interested enough to get Thurlow's records, why haven't they even tried to get Kerry's.
They could just ask him to sign the 180.
(I believe) Kerry's medals got "V"'s as I recall hearing from O'Neill