Sadly it is only the winners who get to write up the history of any conflict.
It is then their choice to decide who was or was not a hero, who deserves a medal or not.
Some countries, France in particular, award them to armed forces of other nations, those who assisted the French in the conflict.
But there were some who dished medals out like pop corn at a movie, you were there so you get one even if only there for a day.