Question: Hopper's brother, who died fairly early in the film and really didn't do too much fighting of the aliens received the second highest Navy award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. Whereas Hopper, who saved the world, who had the initiative after his own ship was destroyed to commandeer a vintage battleship and lead it into battle, knocked out the aliens' ability to communicate, etc, received a lesser honor - the Silver Star. Why the disparity?
Question: What did stone hopper do to deserve a metal?
Answer: Considering the CO/XO of the John Paul Jones didn't receive any medals it seems to be a plot hole. The only thing I can think of is because Hopper was there to accept the award on behalf of his brother.
Answer: He was in command of a ship on a training mission during an alien invasion and was able to, albeit briefly, engage the enemy against near insurmountable odds, which ultimately cost him his life.
Question: In more than one scene, various officers are wearing some sort of necklace, apparently permissible additions to the uniform. They are of several different designs. What are they, and what do they represent?
Answer: They appear to be versions of a Hawaiian lei. During ceremonies and celebrations, it is permissible to wear pins, ribbons, and other items as a show of respect or support.
Answer: One one hand, his brother's sacrifice could be deemed a greater act of valor. On the other hand, the movie is hardly a documentary on naval matters.
Nauticalisimo