This a politically-motivated medal promulgated by the civilian, i.e., political leadership of the DoD. And another in a long line of such items. This administration thinks that remote warfare is the way of the future and those that conduct it - without getting killed themselves and causing awkward moments for those politicians - are to be rewarded.
There already are (too many) medals for doing one's job or for being there for a set amount of time - higher rank needing less time - but the thought of this being set higher than a Bronze Star with 'V' is disgusting. But this is for more than UAV crews, it encompasses cyber-operators as well.
And yes, the U.S. (and we who wear them know it) awards far too medals so that we look like Qaddafi-wanna-be's.