The individual actions of the crew are effectively combined to drive a successful outcome based on sound decision making by the Captain.
Don't forget the old joke:
MBE = My Bloody Efforts
OBE = Other Buggers' Efforts
CBE = Crew's Bloody Efforts
More seriously, I recall taking part in an extensive operation where the Boss thoroughly deserved a CBE but, because he already had an OBE (for some very sneaky surveillance operation), he received no award, but the second-in-command very properly on the Boss's recommendation received an OBE, and various others down to JNCO level received MBEs and BEMs.
Jack