Lifesaving and Meritorious Action

Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Awards

Lifesaving Awards

The Boy Scouts of America launched its medals recognition program in 1911 to recognize Scouts and commissioned leaders who had saved a life. The first Honor Medal recipient was Charles Scruggs of Cuero, Texas, who received a bronze medal in 1911.

From 1911 to 1923, 23 Gold Medals, 140 Silver Medals, and 431 Bronze Medals were awarded. In 1923, the awards were redesigned and renamed.

Honor Medal With Crossed Palms

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The Honor Medal With Crossed Palms may be awarded in exceptional cases to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to self.

Awarded in 2010: 19
Cumulative awards since 1924: 250

Honor Medal

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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 a life at considerable risk to self.

Awarded in 2010: 37
Cumulative awards since 1923: 2,271

Herorism Award

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The Heroism Award, formerly the Certificate of Heroism, may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self. The action taken need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self, but must put into practice Scouting skills and/or ideals.

Awarded in 2010: 149
Cumulative awards since 1923: 5,801

Meritorious Action Awards

Medal of Merit

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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.

Awarded in 2010: 75
Cumulative awards since 1945: 6,002

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.

Awarded in 2010: 87
Cumulative awards since 1989: 1,588

Conservation Award

William T. Hornaday Award

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This award program was created to recognize those who have made significant contributions to conservation. Formerly the Wildlife Protection Medal, it was begun in 1914 by Dr. William T. Hornaday, director of the New York Zoological Park and founder of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. After his death in 1937, the award was renamed in Dr. Hornaday’s honor and became a Boy Scouts of America award.

Awarded in 2010: 196
Cumulative awards since 1914: 3,995

Council Process

A council advancement committee, volunteer recognition committee, or subcommittee must investigate each case, interview the principals and witnesses, secure necessary signed statements, and make recommendations based upon a full knowledge of the facts within 30 days of the receipt of the recommendation. Unless there are unusual circumstances that account for the time lapse, no application may be considered after a lapse of six months from the deed without a written explanation from the Scout executive or adviser to the council committee.

Separate applications are required if more than one member is being recommended for recognition. It is recommended that no case be forwarded to the National Court of Honor without the endorsement or statement of an eyewitness. All recognitions are reserved for registered members, and no such member should be encouraged to submit an application on his or her own behalf. Caution is urged not to submit weak cases (in terms of meaningful action or documentation) to the National Court of Honor. Deliberations are conducted by the court, not only to recognize deserving individuals but also to preserve the historical integrity of the awards.

Please refer to the following link for further information.

http://www.cpcbsa.org/leader-resources/recognition/lifesaving-awards