Kerry's DD 214 lists a Silver Star with a combat “V” (for valor). As the major correctly observes, the “V” is never awarded with the Silver Star. But the actual wording on Kerry’s DD 214 (see www.johnkerry.com) is: “SILVER STAR WITH COMBAT ‘V’.”
There is an abundance of anecdotal evidence that a combat “V” (called a “Combat Distinguishing Device”) is simply not awarded with a Silver Star. For example, a former Vietnam War POW told us that he has “three SSs, and there was no V for any of them.” Countless other Silver Star recipients all say the same thing. Why? Because, among other reasons, it would be redundant to award a Silver Star for “gallantry” (the statutory term) and then embellish it with a “V” for valor.
Most conclusive, however, is that the law is very clear about the award of Combat Distinguishing Devices.
As long as he was embelleshing the paperwork to include overwhelming forces of non-existent VC hidden in foxholes and intense enemy fire, he might as well have added the little V for Valor in the citation. (Did the approving signatories not even READ the applications he submitted for these self-nominated awards???)
Being a little creative I checked on some WW2 submarine hero medals: Check on these yourselves. http://www.battlebelow.com/awards2.htm
The Bronze Star comes without a "V". The Bronze Star also is awarded with a Combat "V" for Valor.
Notice that the WW2 Silver Star Medal doesn't have a Combat "V". Now these WW2 submariners did encounter the enemy. But no Combat "V". Why? Because a Silver Star is given for combat and the "V" would be redundant!
The Navy Cross has no "V".
The Distinguished Service Medal has no "V"
The Purple Heart has no "V".
But, Kerry has a Silver Star with a "V". Why? Maybe Democrats are given different kinds of medals? Ribbon? Especially when you recommend them to yourself?