This.

In no way does someone who flies a drone from an armchair rate a medal that would rank above a combat medal earned in the line of fire where loss of life or limb is a distinct possibility, regardless of circumstance (like saving troops pinned down, in the example brought up).

A drone "pilot" (<---note the quotations) is in the rear with the gear, sipping a cold coke sitting in an air-conditioned van. The Bronze star, Silver star, the DFC, and the MOH are for guys who can get killed doing what they do.

A drone "pilot" doesn't qualify. PERIOD.