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I'm not sure when the "V" device was adopted, however, I do see where you're having a problem with this issue...so let me make it a little more difficult.

Some awards, such as the Purple Heart, do not have distinquishing attachments; the basic award in and of itself stands alone. There are no Purple Hearts with a "V" or an "O"... There is not difference whatsoever between the Purple Heart your father was awarded and PFC Lynch were awarded. Even those who receive the Purple Heart in relation to action for which they receive the Medal of Honor receive the exact same Purple Heart.

The only type of attachment (not device) that can be added to the award of a Purple Heart is an attachment denoting a subsequent award. In the case of the Purple Heart it is a small bronze star (not the Bronze Star medal). That is placed on the service ribbon, or on the ribbon attached to the medal to denote a second receipt of the Purple Heart.

So if your father was wounded in combat twice, he would have received the Purple Heart with Bronze Star (not a Bronze Star Medal). PFC Lynch received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Stat (not an attachment or device).

Simple right?

Actually, I didn't really have any question about the Purple Heart. I believe I understood all that (except for the way they signify being wounded more than once).

I've always understood exactly what it was for.

My dad took a lot of shrapnel and was temporarily paralyzed on Iwo. Interestingly, I had an obnoxious (younger than my dad) uncle who was a career Army man. He used to ridicule my dad's Purple Heart, saying, "Those don't mean anything. They just go through the hospital and toss 'em on all the beds." (My dad, having nearly died on Iwo Jima and being proud of his Purple Heart, did not appreciate those remarks.)

I've heard other people suggest that they don't mean anything anymore, as well.

So no, I wasn't confusing the Bronze Star Medal with anything to do with that.

However, I DID learn something more about it all from you. Thanks. : )