the "COMBAT *V*" is total bs......the 'combat' award for the Navy/Marines is the CAR....Combat Action Ribbon.....for the Army it is the CIB Combat Infantrymans Badge.
The "V" is not a 'combat' (as such) award.......it is awarded for one thing and one thing only....VALOR. It is a misnomer to call it a "combat V" as his DD214 and the media are so fond of doing......see here:
"The BRONZE "V" device indicates an award for VALOR. It is worn on decorations authorized for both ACTS OF VALOR and other qualifications. It is not worn, for instance, on the Silver Star Medal which is ONLY awarded for combat heroism. The Army Commendation Medal can be awarded for Valor, service, or achievement. The "V" device does not denote a second award, but indicates the award was for combat heroism. Only ONE "V" device may be worn on any ribbon, but may be worn with Oak Leaf Clusters that indicate additional awards of the same medal."
http://www.homeofheroes.com/medals/ribbons/1_devices.html
the Silver Star is awarded for gallantry.....and a "V" is unnecessary and unauthorized on it....see here:
"Silver Star Medal
(All Services)
For distinguished gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing enemy force.
The Silver Star is the third highest military award designated soley for heroism in combat. Established in 1918 as the Citation Star, in 1932 it was redesignated as a medal with a retroactive provision that allowed servicemen as far back as the Spanish-American War (1898) to receive it for gallant actions."
http://www.homeofheroes.com/medals/pages_wh/5_sstar.html
the fact that a DD-214 indicates a "Combat V" over a Silver Star is on its face fraudulent. The press and most of the citizenry don't seem to understand this.
Actually, "combat V" is correct in the Navy's case-that's what they usually call it anyway. The actual nomenclature used by the Navy is "combat distinguishing device" and I believe the Army simply calls it a "V device".
The Army issues it for personal valor whereas the Navy's requirements are slightly more general--if the medal was earned "in combat" it rates a V. That's why Admiral Boorda either genuinely believed his V was earned, or maybe thought it easier to bend the rules as he believed his ship was in harm's way.
I can't see how this thing is forged...it has to be a typo.