National Court of Honor
Lifesaving and
Meritorious Awards
National awards for lifesaving and meritorious acts are made only for
outstanding and unusual acts that demonstrate unusual heroism, skill
or bravery and reflect Scouting ideals, based on the following
criteria:
- Honor Medal with Crossed Palms.
Has demonstrated both unusual heroism and
extraordinary skill or resourcefulness
in saving or attempting to save a life at
extreme risk to self.
- Honor Medal.
Has demonstrated unusual heroism and skill in saving or
attempting to save a life at considerable risk to self.
- Herosim Award.
Has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to
save a life at minimum or no risk to self.
(Heroism defined as: exhibiting courage and daring,
self-sacrifice.)
- Medal of Merit.
Has performed some outstanding act of service of an exceptional
character putting into practice learned skills and/or
demonstrating Scouting ideals. Such action need not necessarily
be a rescue or involve risk to self.
None of the above awards will be considered for what would be normally
expected acts of behavior. The ordinary use of first aid or other
skills that would be normally expected of a person who has had
training in those skills would not qualify a person for recognition.
However, the people use of such skills under extraordinary
circumstances could meet the criteria for recognition.
- Local Council Certificate of Merit.
The situation does not meet the criteria for a National Court of
Honor award but the act is deserving of recognition. The case is
not extraordinary, did not call for unusual skill and was not
exceptional in nature but was of outstanding service and did
reflect the high ideals of Scouting.