THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, May 25, 1996                TAG: 9605240029
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A14  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   20 lines

``V'' IS MEANINGFUL

I received the Legion of Merit in Vietnam with the ``combat V.'' It was noted on my citation, and I had always felt honored over and above those who receive the citation for noncombat activities.

I do not think that those writing citations were lax about the ``V'' even in the Vietnam era.

To ask, as you did in your headline ``Is the `V' that big a deal?'' (May 18) demeans those of us who have served this nation in times of combat and have been recognized for it. Please know that I have noted your headline with displeasure.

H. C. BOSCHEN JR.

Commander, U.S. Navy (ret.)

Roxobel, N.C., May 18, 1996 by CNB