Thanks for all the advice and insights.
It is quite likely I did indeed press the "Update All" button and thus wiped out any historically incorrect medals.
Maybe the next release of SH3 Commander will include some duct tape to plaster over that pesky button for us ignoramuses that lack fine motor skills. :p
...or maybe a preferences menu that allows you to choose your "realism" settings.
Regardless, SH3 Commander is one of those items that is so indispensible I refuse to play SH3 without it! Excellent work, JScones!
Looks like my Sonarman and Torpedo officer will have to settle for some Iron Crosses, though I'm not sure how to handle awarding medals not actually given in-game as I'd be worried I might give a medal that isn't properly earned.
Life sure was simpler when the BdU handed out the medals.
P.S. Any info about the crew cfg files would be greatly appreciated. I'm beginning to discover that solid documentation for would-be modders to learn with is almost non-existent.