I didn't take the colonel's medals but the game still allowed me to adjust the glider thing and fly to the lava area, but I don't have the required item from using the medals on the pot or whatever back in the temple. My last save slot is from a long time ago and I don't think I'll bother playing all the way back to the end.

Ok game but has at least one spot where you can get stuck if you mess up.

edit: Ok, apparently I had the medals all along and didn't know it? That's how I was able to turn on the glider to get to the lava zone, but I don't think I used the medals on the pot? Maybe it did some of these automatically, how confusing. So.. I was able to finish the game afterall, so nevermind with this thread I guess!