As an Officer who once had to walk down the garden path with the padre in tow and then knock on the door and pass on the news, I can sympathise with this guy.....he should get more than a medal.
Death and Dying is part and parcel of being in the Armed Forces. Every time we deploy, every time we take off we all know the risks and we are all prepared to accept those risks. Flying is the best job in the world, being the bringer of tragic news is the worst job in the world and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.