| Valor Device | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by the United States of America | |
| Type | Medal Device |
| Awarded for | Valor |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Statistics | |
| First awarded | 1944 |
| Last awarded | Currently awarded |
The Valor device (also known as a combat distinguishing device, "V" device, and Combat "V") is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor. The device serves as a clarification for medals that are awarded for both valor (bravery in the face of the enemy), and merit (an extraordinary job under noncombat conditions).
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The Valor device denotes those individuals who were awarded a decoration in recognition of valorous act performed during direct combat with an enemy force. It may also denote an accomplishment of a heroic nature in direct support of operations against an enemy force.[1] Generally, the Valor device is for specific heroic acts during or supporting direct combat with the enemy. The award must also be personally recommended by a superior and is not an automatic decoration or upgrade.
An example of medals which are authorized the Valor device are the Bronze Star, Commendation Medals, the Air Medal, and certain unit awards. The "V" device is also awarded under certain circumstances to the Legion of Merit and the military Achievement Medals depending on the branch of military service making the award.
Awards which are regularly bestowed for valor, such as the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross and Silver Star are never awarded with the Valor device since valor is indicated by the award itself.
The Valor device is worn as a single, one-time decoration only. While a service member may be cited for valor several times in a career, and be awarded numerous citations authorizing the valor device, no more than one valor device may be worn on the same decoration at any one time. Valor devices awarded for different decorations may be worn simultaneously so long as no more than one device is displayed on each particular award.
The Valor device may be worn on a decoration alongside other devices, particularly oak leaf clusters or stars indicating multiple awards. As an example, a serviceman who earns Bronze Star Medal for service on two different occasions, and a BSM with Valor device on a third occasion, would wear the BSM with two oak leaf clusters and a "V." In such a case, the V is in the position of honor, on the viewer's left, its own right. (That is, inboard for awards on the left breast)
The first Valor devices were authorized in 1944 as an attachment to the Bronze Star. Since then, the Valor device is authorized to medals which are awarded both for combat and non-combat actions. This is to distinguish those who were awarded a decoration through combat, compared to those who were awarded a medal for support roles or meritorious service.
In 1996, the Valor device gained public attention after Admiral Jeremy Boorda committed suicide, media reports stated that the suicide was caused by an investigation into whether he had worn the Valor device without authority. Boorda had placed the Valor device on his Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medals for services rendered during the Vietnam War as an afloat Commanding Officer. Although some indications were that Boorda was authorized to wear them, the Board For Correction Of Naval Records ultimately determined that he was not.[2]
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