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I can't speak for the Navy but I can the Army. A "V" device is a big deal and it turns a meritorious award into a valorous award. It is for a specific action for a specific individual and is backed up by orders. In the Army the most common medals awarded with a qualifying "V" device are the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal. Those who received them know beyond a doubt.

The problem with Hackworth is that he was doing the same thing as Boorda (maybe worse) - even though it was on his website. Anyone with an ounce of shame would have at least shut up, publicly, when it came to military matters after that..

Boorda (rip) had shame. Hackworth has none.

That makes sense. What gets me is that the "V" device debacle was so unnecessary anyway. If there is a doubt, don't wear it. Boorda was a 4-star Admiral, he was the senior guy in the whole Navy. It's not like he needed to be bucking for a promotion, any job senior to his would be a civilian job as a service secretary or senator or something like that.

I sure don't want to minimize the prestige and importance of a combat "V" on a meritorious ribbon, but it isn't worth killing yourself, either. That whole thing is so weird and I don't think we're getting the full story.