[trebb]

According to those that were there, he didn't show up on the scene again until they had everything wrapped up and were turning their attention to the man he lost overboard. A hundred yards or so might be prudent, but it seems he actually left the entire scene, then had the balls to pursue a medal for his cowardice...

[Little Ray]

I guess that is the clincher. If ran for a long way without returning to support PCF-3 (and the diagram sort of indicates that with a little "discontinuity" mark) and the rest of the flotilla, then he failed in his duty. He bugged out on his comrades.