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.
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 unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to self.
Awared in 2010: 19
Cumulative awards since 1924: 250
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 a life at considerable risk to self.
Awarded in 2010: 37
Cumulative awards since 1923: 2,271
Heroism Award
The Herosim 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 atempts 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
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.
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.
Application Process
A council advancement committee, volunteer recognition committee, or subcommittee must investigate the 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.
To apply for any of these awards please complete the application form (click here) and submit it with signed eyewitness statements and a 5x7 colot photo of the honoree to:
Sam Houston Area Council
Michelle Phillips - Program Director
P.O. Box 924528
Houston, TX 77292-4528
or email the documentation and photo to: michelle.philipps@shac.org.
