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.
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.