[Echo Talon]

Look at Kerry's DD214 it says Silver Star with Combat V. :D He also has a DD215 that does not remove the V device. I guess he thinks that he deserves it. :D

[Americanexpat]

I know that in the Army that you can be awarded an Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star and Air Medal with a "V" for valor. The Silver star is awarded for "Gallantry in Action" and is not awarded with a "V" device, at least not when I was awarded mine. The other services could be different and I will leave it up to some one from the Navy to say yea or nay.