[Non-Sequitur]

Oddly, a "typo" exaggerating the record of a man now known for his exaggerations (e.g., Cambodia, wounds, rescues, Purple Hearts etc.)

Oh come on. There is not, and to my knowledge never has been a V to a Silver Star. How can his record be exaggerated by an award that did not exist? Kerry didn't type the DD214 himself. Otherwise he might have typoed in a Navy Cross or something.

[kabar]

I believe that Kerry, like myself, was asked to fill in portions of his DD214. More than likely, Kerry added the combat "V" distinguishing device, more out of ignorance than anything else. The clerk who prepared it and the officer who signed it did not notice the difference. I have come to this conclusion because there was no added benefit for Kerry to do so. The Silver Star is solely a combat medal and does not need such a device. Unlike Boorda, Kerry would not be adding any additional luster to his award.

I doubt if Kerry knew that the Silver Star didn't need a combat "V." His Bronze Star citation specifically authorizes him to wear the "V" device. Knowing Kerry's ego and obsession with his medals, he probably wanted to make sure that everyone knew that his Silver Star was earned in combat.

I just don't agree with the degree of importance some place on it. Again, what benefit accrues to Kerry by adding the combat "V" to a medal that doesn't need one? It is redundant. If Kerry did that with a Bronze Star or Navy Commendation Medal, I would share their concern. To me, it doesn't rise to a federal crime. It just shows the ignorance of Kerry and an oversight by the Navy, which signed the DD214.