* Bronze Star Medal (with “V” Device)
Petraus was awarded this medal. I am guessing during the initial invasion of Iraq. This is the medal the Daily Kook is lying about.
I think it is infinitely more likely that he earned the BSM with V in a previous conflict as he was a division commander in Iraq and probably wasn’t as likely to be in position to show valor (commanders usually have a PSD to protect them). As I said, some of the guys I drill with were wondering about the CAB-I am unsure about the requirements under the regulation.