The Distinguished Warfare Medal will be awarded to pilots of unmanned aircraft, offensive cyber war experts or others who are directly involved in combat operations but who are not physically in theater & facing the physical risks that warfare historically entails.
This medal will soon become the 4th highest combat decoration, behind the Distinguished Flying Cross & ranked above both the Bronze Star with Combat "V" & Purple Heart – medals awarded for combat in which the troop's life is at risk.
While those far from the fight have an immediate & important effect on the battlefield in real-time, we think medals earned in direct combat must be given more value to the troops who directly risk their lives.
DoD should reconsider a more appropriate place in the military awards hierarchy.