Originally Posted by
jungle
Combat is always changing, valor remains the same and it is not subject to dictates or whims.
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.