Re: Life saving
Michael F. Bowman (mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG)
Fri, 21 Feb 1997 01:22:14 -0500
Bob,
BSA recognizes Scouts who have exhibited personal bravery in saving a
life or helping others through an outstanding act with a series of awards
depending on the nature of the action.
The Honor Medal with Crossed Palms is given in an exceptional case to a
youth member or leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism and
extraordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attepting to save
life at extreme risk to self. Example, A Scout sees an accident with a
fuel truck on fire and the driver unconscious and drags the driver to
safety just before the truck explodes. His life was at extreme risk in
the rescue and without his action the driver would have died. No other
response could have saved the driver's life, but for the bravery of the
Scout.
The Honor Medal is given to a youth member or leader who has demonstrated
unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at
considerable risk to self.
The Heroism Medal is given to a youth member or leader who has
demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at
minimum risk to self.
The Medal of Merit is given to a youth member or leader who has performed
an act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an
uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.
The National Certificate of Merit is awarded to a youth member or leader
who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of
special national recognition.
All of the above awards are presented by the National Court of Honor.
The procedure involved is as follows:
Contact your professional staff and request a form for recommending a
Scout for a Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award.
The form requires a summary statement of the event. You should attach
any photographs, newspaper clippings, and statements of any eyewitnesses.
Note: Councils are advised in the "Advancement Policies And Procedures
Committee Guide" at p. 23 "It is recommended that no case be forwarded to
the National Court of Honor without the endorsement or statement of an
eyewitness." Further, members are not encouraged to submit an
application on his or her own behalf.
This form will go to your Council's Advancement Committee or a special
Awards Committee depending on how your Council is organized. This
committee is responsible for investigating the matter and presenting the
case to the Council Committee.
The Council Committee is charged with forwarding a recommendation to the
National Court of Honor. The National Court of Honor has discretion to
determine which, if any, type of recognition shall be given.
Some Councils also have local Meritorious Act Certificates given when
Scouts show meritorous action not meeting the criteria for National
recognition, but still noteworthy.
Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
Dep.Dist.Commissioner-Training, G.W.Dist., NCAC, BSA (Virginia)
U. S. Scouting Service Project FTP Site Administrator (PC Area)
ftp1 or ftp2.scouter.com/usscouts E-mail: mfbowman@capaccess.org
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
