Unsung Heroes

This is Unsung Heroes, a Bryan on Scouting blog series celebrating under-reported acts of Scouting heroism. These are stories that don’t make national headlines — but should. To share the news of an Unsung Hero in your pack, troop or crew:

Send an email to me with the subject line “Unsung Heroes.”
Include a detailed summary of the heroic act.
Include any “supporting documentation” you can. Examples include links to a story in your local newspaper, paperwork for a Scouting heroism award nomination or eyewitness accounts.
Include high-res photos of the Unsung Hero.

Unsung Hero: He quickly identified his dad’s heart attack and took decisive action

March 9, 2022 0

For smart and speedy thinking that likely saved his father’s life, Matthew received the Medal of Merit from the Sam Houston Area Council.

Unsung Heroes: Scout, his Scouter mom rescue kayaker from possible hypothermia

February 14, 2022 4

For his outstanding service that reflects the high ideals of Scouting, Marlin received the certificate of merit from the Sam Houston Area Council.

Unsung Heroes: Kayaking Scouters rescue family from drowning on fast-moving river

December 10, 2021 0

The friends had been paddling for about 20 miles when they heard a noise downriver. “Is that someone calling for help?” one of them said.

Unsung Hero: Second Class Scout saves fellow Scout from choking on a grape

November 8, 2021 0

Scarlett still remembers the sound — “that awful noise that happens when someone can’t breathe.” After hearing it, she jumped into action.

Unsung Hero: Scout calls 911 after grandfather has a stroke

October 14, 2021 0

When he heard a sound upstairs, this First Class Scout from Connecticut jumped into action.

Scouter stops man from driving toward youth football players, cheerleaders

September 29, 2021 0

For his unusual heroism at extreme risk to himself, Willie Maquinalez received the Honor Medal With Crossed Palms.

‘It was my duty to help’: Scout Executive rescues two from fiery crash

July 24, 2021 1

A Texas Scout Executive was on his way to meet some BSA volunteers when he was called into action unexpectedly.

‘It looked like the sky just came into our house’: Scout saves family after tornado

July 19, 2021 0

When an EF3 tornado hit his home in the suburbs of Chicago, this Life Scout reacted quickly, helping get his mom and three siblings to safety.

Unsung Hero: He saved a boy who hit his head on concrete steps while playing football

April 26, 2021 0

When his dad asked him later where he learned the first-aid skills that likely saved Jacob’s life, Evan’s reply was simple: “Scout camp.”

Unsung Hero: She thought quickly after her brother was burned by boiling water

February 9, 2021 3

This North Carolina Arrow of Light Scout’s instincts kicked in when her younger brother was scalded by a pot of boiling water.