the meaning of a sentence

In the following paragraph, I cannot figure out the exact meaning of the last sentence.

I don't know if

1. his medal was the only medal that had been won except during battle

2. or his medal was the only medal that had not been won even in the time of battle.


Which one is better 1. or 2.?

Or do you have any other idea?

Please let me know.



As the drill sergeant came out and threw the grenade into the crowd of soldiers, the new soldier, not knowing it wasn't going to explode, threw himself on top of the grenade to prevent it from killing the other men. He was willing to die for his fellow soldiers. That year the young man was awarded the only medal for courage and bravery that had not been won during battle.