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

testerMedal of Honortester

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.


testerDistinguished Flying Crosstester

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".


testerBronze Star Medaltester

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.


testerMeritorious Service Medaltester

In certain instances, the U.S. Coast Guard also authorizes an Operational Distinguishing Device for the medal.


testerJoint Service Commendation Medaltester

A "V" Device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy) are authorised devices.


testerNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medaltester

Combat “V" also authorised.


testerCoast Guard Commendation Medaltester

Combat “V" also authorised.


testerNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medaltester

A Combat Distinguished “V” is also authorised for use.


testerCoast Guard Achievement Medaltester

Operational Distinguishing Device ("O" device) are also authorised for use.


testerCoast Guard Achievement Medaltester

A Combat Distinguished “V” is also authorised.


testerCommandant'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.


testerCoast 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.


testerCoast 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.


testerCoast 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.


testerCoast Guard Distinguished Marksman Awardtester

Gold Miniature Rifle is authorized after earning third credit points in CMP


testerCoast Guard Silver Rifle Excellence-in-Competition Awardtester

Silver Miniature Rifle is authorized after earning second credit points in CMP


testerCoast Guard Bronze Rifle Excellence-in-Competition Awardtester

Bronze Miniature Rifle is authorized after earning first credit points in CMP