Bronze and Silver Awards are Rare. Gold Awards are Very Rare. The Merit Medal honors Scouts, Venturers and Scouters that have performed some act of meritorious service above and beyond what is normally expected of a youth or adult member of the Boy Scouts of America. Key in the difference between this award and the heroism awards is that the action need not involve saving life, but must employ some aspect of Scouting learning or skills in the execution. Knot was previously used on Sea Explorer white uniforms to represent the Honor Medal.
Colors correspond to red, white and red ribbon on medal.
The Heroism Medal is presented to those that save live at little or no personal risk. In the past, those persons would receive a Certificate of Heroism from the local Council. Today, those previous holders of Certificates of Heroism as well as present Scouts, Venturers or Scouters are honored with the present Medal. Knot is composed of two red ropes. Difference between old and new knot is only background in which worn on field uniform.