Although normally associated with direct combat action, the Bronze Star is routinely awarded for non-combat actions which is why there is the "V" device to distinquish the nature of performance being recognized. However, the Bronze Star is traditionally the lowest award that is usually given for actions performed in combat which her actions would indicate.
Her award could have been awarded by any commander with that level of issuing authority, however, it most likely still processed through an awards board where merit was measured against established criteria.