As I understand it the Bronze Star was for some sort of meritorous service. It was awarded, as I understand, with some sort of citation. But it does not necessarily mean combat.
The Executive Order 9419 : Feb 04, '44 . http://en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Executive_Order_9419 I heard that there is only one civilian recepient of the medal so far, I just unable to recall his name right now, for his service (most probably music) for the troop!
In my unit in Viet Nam all Officers and NCO's received a Bronze Star (without the V devise) automatically; lower ranks received an Army Commendation Medal; the "V" on the medal or ribbon means Valor; i.e. the receiver was in action. Although many use the medal to impress people it is really kind of a give away - as we said one of those medals received just for being there, unless it had the V; and even them is questionable since today the US Military give medals for just about anything.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/30840497/...ENSE-ARMED-FORCES-DECORATIONS-AND-AWARDS-1992 US Forces Decorations and Awards.
The "V" is a small, about .25 inches high, metal device, literally the letter "V," which is pinned to the ribbon of the medal. On the full sized medal it is placed center on the ribbon, horizontally and vertically; on the ribbon, the same, at the center. Only one "V" can be worn, though oak leaves (Army) or stars (Navy & Marine Corps) for additional awards of the medal are authorized. Usually it is stipulated in the order or citation awarding the medal when one is authorized the "V" device. The absence of that stipulation means the recipient is not so authorized.
The Bronze Star without the "V" device is a lot like the National Defense Medal (aka "the Fireguard" award). I have an acquaintance who was a surgeon in a rear area and never heard a shot fired, but he was almighty proud of his Bronze Star, and so was his wife. That is until I inquired about the lack of the "V". Haven't seen or heard about the award since then.
