Semantics I know but the award was a 'Consequence' of the accident, not a Result. Why would the families be consulted about the award? It is given by the Queen after consideration of the merits, or otherwise, of the award by the recipient's superiors who obviously approve of the actions of this officer. He was in no way responsible for the state of aircraft or the level of tasking or any other contributory factor (SFAIK). He had been in post for 2 weeks, people who knew him from earlier postings held him in high regard, he appears to have carried out his duties with more than due diligence and sensitivity. While the award may seem inappropriate, to those still grieving their losses, standing back and looking at the bigger picture most people would find it both appropriate and non-controversial.