Imagegear, the problem in the weeds, or sand, can be two fold. Someone who can write a good citation - easier done at HQ - and a quota system.
Can't have too many gongs dished out to one unit or in one campaign.
From my father in law's story he should have got some recognition but the action was an embarrassing disaster, few officers were in a position to see what happened, too many truly heroic actions in the dark.