I wonder how many (dozens of) squaddies have driven their vehicle miles from the scene with severe bullet or shrapnel wounds (and without the benefit of a co-pilot to do it for them) - no one offers them VCs.
I can name a few from various campaigns who have done this and much more but have not been awarded anything.
That is not to detract from this act however. Similar occurances were commonplace in Vietnam and many pilots died in their cockpits. It takes a special kind of bravery to go out again after that, flying a helo, unable to shoot back. My money is on a DFC.