Just call me Harry... living legend of aviation
Just cringe. He was apparently number 2 in the helicopter, not even the pilot. He should feel so embarrassed accepting this when you think of the many thousands of ordinary military pilots across the globe who have done so much more without any public recognition. That is the meaning of service.
He is either so badly advised or just not accepting advice. It is the height on insecurity to even contemplate accepting this. He should have gracefully declined and nominated someone else - maybe a wounded pilot taking part in the Invictus games.