Why Chewbacca didn't get a medal

I would say Chewbacca didn't really contribute to the destruction of the Death Star. He was more like a stagehand than anything else.

Chewie: roar bah rooah roorah
Han: umm well buddy because um ah guys u best get him a medal it's unwise to upset a wookie
leia: nobody bothers upsetting humans by not giving them medals
Han: uhh wookies are known to pull peoples arms out of there sockets

At least Marvel Comics gave Chewie a bit of respect in their adaptation...