# David Flippo's Bronze Star Hat Confusion

> David Flippo's campaign hat shows two V-shaped emblems next to a Bronze Star, suggesting he earned the award with valor, despite claiming it was a mistake.
- Title: David Flippo's Bronze Star Hat Confusion · Mother Jones
- Summary: David Flippo's campaign hat shows two V-shaped emblems next to a Bronze Star, suggesting he earned the award with valor, despite claiming it was a mistake…
- Keywords: david flippo, bronze star, valor device, nevada republican, congressional campaign, air force, military awards, campaign hat, flippo campaign, nevada independent, trump district, teresa benitez-thompson
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/10/david-flippo-nevada-bronze-star-valor
- Author: Noah Lanard
- Published: 2026-10-02T16:52:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: david flippo, bronze star, valor device, nevada republican, congressional campaign, air force, military awards, campaign hat, flippo campaign, nevada independent, trump district, teresa benitez-thompson
## David Flippo's campaign hat
Nevada Republican David Flippo wore a hat with a Bronze Star and two V-shaped emblems during his 2024 congressional campaign.
## Flippo claims mistaken award description
Flippo told The Washington Post he received a standard Bronze Star and the Outstanding Unit Award with valor, but his campaign mistakenly conflated the two.
## Military experts confirm confusion
Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Daniel Casentini said photos show V devices next to Flippo's Bronze Star, implying he earned the award with valor.
## Veterans say Flippo misrepresented award
A former Army Ranger stated Flippo was 'clearly representing' he earned a Bronze Star with valor, calling it a public lie.

> He was publicly knowingly misrepresenting the award he received.
## Flippo's hat with V devices
Flippo wore the hat with two V-shaped emblems from August 2023 until at least June 2026, when he stopped using them.
## Military distinction matters
A Bronze Star with valor requires direct combat involvement under hostile fire, while a standard Bronze Star is for showing up and performing successfully in a combat zone.
## Flippo's military citation
Flippo's Bronze Star citation states he was the first to respond to extinguish flames and provide life-saving medical care to a soldier with severe burns.
## Flippo's campaign response
Flippo's campaign did not respond to requests about the V-shaped symbols but answered questions about his military service for the Nevada Independent.
## Key takeaway

David Flippo falsely claimed to have earned a Bronze Star with valor, but his hat with two V devices indicates he did not.