United States Military Decoration Device "V" Device (Army)
"V" Device (Army) Image
"V" Device (Army) Description
The "V" device is a 1/4" device that is attached to certain decorations in the U.S. Armed Forces and represents heroism or valor in combat instead of meritorious service. Such situations as active engagement of an enemy force or other actions deemed heroic by the theater commander. All branches use the same V device, and since 2017, all share the same criteria across branches.This device is in a 1/4" size.It comes in Bronze.
Associated Devices
 | Medal of Honor |  |      |
Separate V devices are awarded between the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard than the Army and Air Force. However, in 2014 all V devices were dropped.
 | Distinguished Flying Cross |  | |
The Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps may authorize the "V" device for wear on the DFC to denote valor in combat; Navy and Marine Corps, Combat "V".
 | Bronze Star Medal |  | |
The Bronze Star Medal with the "V" device to denote heroism is the fourth highest military decoration for valor. Although a service member may be cited for heroism in combat and be awarded more than one Bronze Star authorizing the "V" device, only one "V" may be worn on each suspension and service ribbon of the medal. "V" Device – In the Army, the "V" is worn solely to denote "participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy.”; in the Air Force, the "V" is worn to denote heroism in combat.
 | Meritorious Service Medal |  | |
In certain instances, the U.S. Coast Guard also authorizes an Operational Distinguishing Device for the medal.
 | Joint Service Commendation Medal |  | |
A "V" Device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy) are authorised devices.
 | Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal |  | |
Combat “V" also authorised.
 | Coast Guard Commendation Medal |  | |
Combat “V" also authorised.
 | Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal |  | |
A Combat Distinguished “V” is also authorised for use.
 | Coast Guard Achievement Medal |  | |
Operational Distinguishing Device ("O" device) are also authorised for use.
| Coast Guard Achievement Medal | | |
A Combat Distinguished “V” is also authorised.
 | Commandant's Letter of Commendation |  | |
The Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon with the Operational Distinguishing Device may be authorized for operational and field condition achievements.
 | Coast Guard Unit Commendation | | |
The Operational Distinguishing Device, a 5/16 inch silver letter "O" centered on the unit of the uniform ribbon, is also authorized for units which are presented the decoration for field operations and conditions.
 | Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation | | |
The MUC may also be awarded with the Operational Distinguishing Device, denoted by a 1/4 inch silver letter "O" centered on the ribbon.
 | Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation | | |
For those Coast Guard commands who are awarded the Meritorious Team Commendation under field operating conditions, the Operational Distinguishing Device is authorized.
 | Coast Guard Distinguished Marksman Award |  | |
Gold Miniature Rifle is authorized after earning third credit points in CMP
 | Coast Guard Silver Rifle Excellence-in-Competition Award |  | |
Silver Miniature Rifle is authorized after earning second credit points in CMP
 | Coast Guard Bronze Rifle Excellence-in-Competition Award |  | |
Bronze Miniature Rifle is authorized after earning first credit points in CMP