My Great Grandad served in the RAf and did recieve medals, however he was only on ground crew and was based in Scotland.
My Fathers uncle fought in Burma (not sure which regiment) and was captured by the Japanese.
My Grandad was based on one of those guns that fired across the channel (i think. Or something like that). He became partially deaf and could no longer serve.

__________________
And when he gets to heaven
To Saint Peter he will tell
One more soldier reporting sir
I have served my time in hell