The "V" (for valor) device is used to distinguish awards that can be made for either combat or non-combat actions.
The Bronze Star is one of these awards. I'm certain that there are others but I haven't researched this further. kerry's Bronze Star has the "V" device listed for it.
The Silver Star, on the other hand, can only be awarded for actions performed under enemy fire. The "V" device just isn't awarded for it just as it would never be awarded for a Medal of Honor. The term "gallantry under fire" is part of the citation for it; a designation for valor is incorrect for these medals in military awards terms.
kerry's corrected DD215 lists the award as Silver Star with combat "V". This is bogus; Silver Stars just don't have "V"s and never have.
Kerry's original DD214 also lists the Silver Star with combat "V". The DD215 is the form used to make corrections to the DD214.
Here's a link to another article here on FR that sheds additional light (and reveals additional murkiness):
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1200746/posts
Push Here for an official Navy Military Decorations page.
Can someone post the photo of his Congressional testimony in 1971 where he is wearing his ribbons with fatigues. Maybe we can see if he has a "V" device attached to the SS.
I'm trying to find high resolution photos of Kerry while wearing his ribbons. If there is no "V" device on the SS, it may be possible that an administrative error occurred on his DD214&215. Those docs are usually typed up by lower enlisted personell types. Even if that were the case, what's with a Silver Star for shooting one retreating injured enemy?