THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, June 4, 1996 TAG: 9606040007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 37 lines
You pictured a Vietnam Service Medal on your front page along with a bronze ``combat V.'' Since the two don't go together, there must be some confusion in your office regarding Navy military decorations.
Navy decorations for individuals can be roughly divided into those given to recognize personal heroism in combat and those given to recognize meritorious service (outstanding performance) either in war or peace. Some awards are authorized for use in both circumstances. In order to distinguish among awards used for both, a bronze ``V'' may be added to denote combat.
In the Army, the ``V'' signifies an act of individual combat valor. The Navy is different.
To wear the Navy ``V,'' the action cited in the award can be either personal valor or meritorious service. However, the action or service for which the individual is cited must be carried out in an environment where the nominee was subject to personal danger.
As an example, an aircrewman flying over North Vietnam is subject to personal danger and is eligible for a ``V'' on a Navy Commendation Medal (NCM). A flight-deck crewman might also be awarded the NCM for meritorious service on the same carrier but won't necessarily receive a ``V'' since he was not directly exposed to enemy action. This differentiation carries through to the Bronze Star which, while awarded only in wartime, does not always carry the ``V.''
The citation of award specifically authorizes the ``V'' as a final statement in the citation.
The only ``add ons'' to the Vietnam Service Medal were campaign stars or the Fleet Marine Clasp.
SEEGER POOLE
Captain, U.S. Navy (ret.)
Virginia Beach, May 17, 1996 by CNB