The Kos Kid is claiming you have to be under direct fire. I doubt this is correct if you are in a combat zone.
From the Army's web site:
a. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
b. Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the Silver Star.
Engaged in action does not seem to require being under fire. It could be firing on an enemy. Or in the case of a division commander, leading a division who was firing on the enemy.
Even if they are claiming you have to be under direct fire, read Rick Atkinson’s book, “In the Company of Soldiers,” and he relates an incident he witnessed in which Petraeus and some of his staff stopped a Humvee, spread out maps, and were looking at positions when they came under (as I recall) mortar fire. They did not take cover. After a minute, Patton-style, Petraeus pulled out his sidearm and went in the direction of the incoming. By that time, other soldiers had eliminated the threat.
I believe that the issue is whether the Bronze Star awarded includes the "V" for valor distinction. One of the men I served with years ago was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. There was not act of valor involving enemy action, though the service was in a combat area.
Accidental encounters with non-enemy forces outside of a warzone don't count no matter what happens.