Armed Forces News

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche has authorized use of the “V” device, to represent valor, on Distinguished Flying Crosses awarded for heroism. The decision is intended to clearly distinguish and denote a DFC awarded for heroism. It allows any Reserve, Guard or active-duty Air Force DFC recipient honored for heroism on or after Sept. 18, 1947, to wear the “V” device. Airmen previously awarded the DFC for heroism, as indicated on the citation, certificate or order, are authorized to wear the “V” device immediately. “There is no requirement to have a personnel office verify entitlement to wear the ‘V’ device,” said Master Sgt. Al Salinas, chief of the recognition programs branch at the Air Force Personnel Center. The active-duty military personnel data system will be updated later this year, he added.