Those kind of ceremonies aren't about the TV coverage...which IMO should have every TV network covering them.
I get what you are saying, in that the recognition by their fellow service members means far more than even the slightest hint of feeling like a political prop, something which might call doubt on well earned awards.
Those of us who check things out realize that maintaining yaw control on a Chinook (what the pedals are for) with one leg badly wounded in order to turn the helo to bring guns to bear and then land safely required determination and grit many would have trouble mustering while seriously injured.
That said, those of us who understand the acts taken, skill, and good fortune to be living recipients of the MoH thoroughly respect that the medals were earned (as was the Legion of Merit), and the audience to those awards was likely far larger than it would have been if this had been done independent of the SOTU.
If I had to pick a theme for Trump's speech, it would be that Americans, through determination, grit, perseverance, and sacrifice, can fix what can be humanly fixed that is wrong with America, and exposed those who did not seem interested in working for the benefit of us all. Their recognition fit hand in glove with that.
But yes, I also get that it would be more proper to make the awards in a ceremony dedicated to just that, rather than as a seeming sidebar to the SOTU.