Meritorious Awards Committee (MAC)

This committee reviews all applicants for any of the Meritorious Action Awards. If you feel you've seen or heard about a "hero" in action, please use the Nomination for Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award application and send it or bring it to the Marriott Scout Service Center, 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD  20814

Attn:

Kevin Bradley
Staff Advisor, MAC


Professional Adviser: Kevin Bradley 301-214-9153

Recommendation for Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award
1. Types of Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards:
     (NOTE: The type of recognition, if any, will be determined by the NCAC committee or the National Court of Honor, and 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)

• Lifesaving Awards
  These awards recognize the attempt to save life and an accompanying measure of risk to self.
  Honor Medal with Crossed Palms
  Has demonstrated unusual heroism and extra-ordinary skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save life at extreme risk to self.
  Honor Medal
  Has demonstrated unusual heroism and skill or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save life at considerable risk to self.
  Heroism Award
  Has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimum risk to self.
• Meritorious Action Awards
  These awards recognize notable acts of service that need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self but put into practice Scouting skills and/or ideals.
  Medal of Merit
  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.
  National Certificate of Merit
  Has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition.
  National Capital Area Council Certificate of Merit
  Has performed an exceptional act of service that is deserving of recognition by the National Capital Area Council.

2. Definitions:

• Heroism. Conduct exhibiting courage, daring, skill, and self-sacrifice.
  Skill. The ability to use one's knowledge effectively in execution of performance. Special attention is given to skills learned in Scouting.

3. Eligibility:

• Recommended individual must be a registered youth or adult member of the Boy Scouts of America. 
• Explorers and Learning for Life members must use the Learning for Life recommendation form.  

4. The following supporting information will be submitted with this recommendation:

• Personally prepared and signed statement by person performing action, describing the incident.
• Personally prepared and signed statement by the rescued person, if any.
• Personally prepared and signed statement by each witness, describing the action as he or she recalls the details. Include the address and phone number of all witnesses.
• Copy of Emergency Service incident report, if any
• Newspaper clippings, etc., which pertain to the case.
• Glossy photo of the individual who made the rescue (4"x 6" desired).

5. It is essential that all of the above information be complete to preclude delay in consideration. You may be requested to furnish additional information.

6. Nominations should be submitted to the NCAC within SIX MONTHS of the event to provide time for the Meritorious Awards Committee to review documents, schedule interviews with principals, and complete any recommendations for recognition within the TWELVE MONTH time limit set by the National Court of Honor.

7. After a completed nomination form with all supporting statements is received, the chairman will acknowledge and schedule a committee meeting for in-person interviews with the principals involved in the action. If the nomination is not acknowledged within three weeks of submission to the Marriott Scout Service Center, the nominator should contact the staff advisor.

8. Address all communications to:

Kevin Bradley, Advisor
Meritorious Awards Committee
National Capital Area Council, BSA
9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland  20814
Kevin.Bradley@scouting.org