Too many medals for the last 20 years??

[Salty]

Too many medals?

My understanding is that there are stateside pilots "flying" a drone in a combat zone
and receiving an award. I say hogwash!

Award For Drone Pilots May Be The Most Ridiculous Thing The Pentagon Could Do

 

[rsr]

You did notice that the story about the new Air Force award is nine years old. Plans for the medal were shelved shortly after the announcement.

 

[Salty]

And this is the medal that is awarded!
Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal - Wikipedia

 

[Van]

Non-valor awards are fine for providing needed service, especially where special skill is utilized. My ARCOM is such a medal, and it used to be the highest non-valor medal. But to value such service above those who, at the risk of their lives, protected themselves and others is hogwash.

I once knew a fellow who flew combat missions in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. His favorite achievement was not his valor, but the fact he had over 700 "traps" (aircraft carrier landings). So we can value skilled service without placing recognition above our true heroes.