I believe that the term "with Combat V" was the term used to describe kerry's Silver Star. The Silver Star doesn't have "V" and "non-V" awards because it can only be awarded for actions in combat.
You can get one in combat without the "V".
I didn't know that. I thought all Bronze Stars awarded for combat actions had the "V" device and the non-combat ones didn't.
I have a bronze star that I received for "meritorious service".
The V device is for valor. You are corerect.