Recognition may be given to a member of the Boy Scouts
of America—Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer, or adult
leader—where the evidence presented to the National Court of Honor, in
accordance with prescribed regulations, shows that he or she saved or
attempted to save life under circumstances that indicate heroism and
risk of his or her own life. The court will give consideration to
resourcefulness and to demonstrated skill in rescue methods.
In no case shall recognition be given where it appears
that the risk involved was merely in the performance of duty or the
meeting of an obligation because of responsibility to supervise and give
leadership to the person or people whose lives were saved.
It shall be wholly within the discretion of the
National Court of Honor to determine from evidence presented which
lifesaving award, if any, shall be made. Awards are issued in the name
of the Boy Scouts of America. These awards are as follows:
Heroism Awards
Honor Medal with Crossed Palms
The Honor Medal with Crossed Palms may be awarded in
exceptional cases to a youth member or adult leader who has
demonstrated both unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or
resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save life at extreme risk
to self.
Honor Medal
The Honor Medal may be awarded to a youth member or
adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism and skill in saving
or attempting to save life at considerable risk to self.
Heroism Award
The Heroism Award may be awarded to a youth member
or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or
attempting to save life at minimum risk to self.
Meritorious Action Awards
Recognition may be given to a youth member or adult
leader where the evidence presented to the National Court of Honor, in
accordance with prescribed regulations, shows that a significant or
outstanding act of service of exceptional character was performed. The
action taken need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self but
must put into practice Scouting skills and/or ideals. Recognition
shall not be given where it appears that the action involved was
merely in the performance of duty or the meeting of an obligation. The
awards are as follows:
Medal of Merit.
The Medal of Merit may be awarded to a youth member
or adult leader who has performed some outstanding act of service of a
rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of
concern for the well-being of others.
National Certificate of Merit.
The National Certificate of Merit may be awarded to
a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of
service that is deserving of special national recognition.
All applications should be submitted to the National
Court of Honor through the local council upon duly prescribed forms, and
it shall be within the discretion of the National Court of Honor to
determine which type of recognition shall be given. Recipients of these
awards must have been registered members of the Boy Scouts of America at
the time the action was performed. Awards are made in the name of the
Boy Scouts of America.
Oregon Trail Council Council Certificate of Merit
If the situation is deserving of merit but does not
qualify for a national award, the Local Council Certificate of Merit
is used for this purpose.
Application Processing
The nominee should be recommended to the District
Advancement committee who will research and submit a official recommendation
to the National Court of Honor through the local Council
Recipients:
For a list of recipients click
here.