[El Gato]

That was the Army definition, and doesn't address the issue of the "V" device. Here's something from the Navy Exchange Service Command (which also covers the Marines):

"V" Device Authorized for acts or service involving direct participation in combat operations

[CDB]

Thanks, El Gato, I served in the US Army (ASA), and didn't realize that the other branches might have their own variations of medals. BTW, I could never get those US Navy ranks quite, either--as a US 2LT when I entered active duty, I was so low-ranking that I saluted all US Navy officers. Weren't too many where I served. But I honor every recipient (regardless of branch of service) of the Bronze Star. What guys like Murtha do afterwards is a different story.