to be worn on a decoration, the "v" device must have been specifically authorized in the written award citation issued with the medal. in 1996, the "v" device garnered public attention after the suicide of admiral jeremy boorda, who was the chief of naval operations. the news media reported that his death by suicide may have been caused by a navy investigation following a story by "newsweek" about boorda wearing two "combat valor pins" on the service ribbons of his uniform, which he received for duty as a weapons officer and executive officer aboard two naval ships off the coast of indochina during the vietnam war. although there were indications these "combat distinguishing devices" were authorized to be worn on his navy commendation medal and navy achievement medal, the department of the navy board for correction of naval records determined after his death that both of the devices were not authorized to be worn on the two decorations.