"V" Device

The "V" Device (also the Combat Distinguishing Device or Combat "V"), is a miniature bronze or gold ¹⁄₄ inch letter "V" (valor) with serifs that is authorized by the United States Armed Forces as a medal and ribbon device for a defined set of decorations. The "V" device if authorized, may be attached to the suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

The Army and Air Force refer to the "V" as the "V" Device. The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard refer to the "V" as the Combat Distinguishing Device or Combat "V". The criteria for and wear of the "V" device differs among the services.

Criteria and wear

The "V" device must be specifically authorized in the award citation for wear on the decoration. Although a service member may be cited for heroism in combat and be awarded more than one decoration authorizing the device, only one "V" device may be worn on each award. The "V" device may also be authorized for the Air Medal by all the services where heroism in aerial combat was involved on an individual mission. The criteria for the device vary between the services: