You're the first I've seen who said that. Why does nobody else get that? who also served. And what form was submitted? I see a Form 214 and 215. The 214 mentions this "V", but the 215 does not. I think his citations mention the "V" (i.e. "authorized to wear combat 'v'"). And the 214 appears to be from the early '70s. You lost me, here.
request was submitted, and approved
What, when and approved by who? Are these secretive documents that have yet to be made public?
You are correct that Kerry's 214 mentions the "V" device. The DD215 does not need to menition it since it is only used to amend what is incorrect on the DD215. Kerry also adds the PUC and NUC unit citations, which were probably approved after he left the service. To me, he is guilding the lilly.