Final answer:
The "V" device is worn on United States military medals for valor in combat, such as the Bronze Star or Air Medal. Other nations, like Britain, use different symbols like the MID oak leaf for similar recognition, as seen in the decorations of Colonel Elizabeth Smellie.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "V" device is a specific kind of insignia used in the United States military, and it is worn on certain medals to denote valor or meritorious service in direct participation in combat operations. While the question references multiple medals from different nations and historical periods, the "V" device is typically associated with United States military decorations. For instance, medals like the Bronze Star or Air Medal may be awarded with a "V" device if earned for acts of valor in combat. Other countries may have similar devices or styles of recognition, but they may not specifically use the "V" device or may apply it in different contexts. Looking at the provided Figure 4.9 list of medals associated with Colonel Elizabeth Smellie, we are mostly seeing British and Canadian decorations. The closest equivalent in the British system to a "V" device might be the Mentioned in Dispatches (MID) oak leaf emblem, which can be seen on the Victory Medal MID listed. These distinctions between countries' decorations illustrate the diversity and specificity in military honor systems across the globe.