During War time there is only so much the military can do. Since the founding of this great country the Military has looked to the common citizen to help fill the gap of the non combat positions and leave to soldier free to focus on the combat related positions.
Some of these citizens are paid well, some are not, but once they return to their non war related life they are forgotten. Since their ID is confiscated upon leaving the war zone. Unless they have photos or use their passport there is little proof that they were there.
By issuing a official Medal or even an official ID that they can use to prove they were there. They do not have access to the lifelong benefits that the Armed Forces have, but they still deserve to be honored.