Come on, just being in theatre for the requisite time qualified for a medal even when there was no risk.
I qualified - we had targets and we were at 5 hrs readiness for a couple of weeks. Enemy troops made a para assault 300 miles away. The greatest risk I suffered was cutting my hand in the swimming pool.
OK, we had fighters on QRA, we had AA guns deployed, but there was no feeling of risk or danger. Got the medal.
Got held hostage in Belgium. No medal but a free meal and quantities if beer for free as the bill was was waived.