The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) was established in 1969 to acknowledge Eagle Scouts who have received national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within their field and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community. It is the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA)’s highest honor. Only those who earned the Eagle Scout rank at least 25 years previously are eligible for nomination.
Previous recipients include President Gerald R. Ford, several governors and senators, military flag officers, university presidents, chief executives of Fortune 500 companies, and nationally known lawyers, journalists, creatives, educators, scientists, and doctors.
Recipients are selected by the DESA Award Committee, which comprises members who are also DESA recipients. Only a small percentage of nominations are approved.
Ross P. Bullard
Eagle Scout: 1930
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 1975
George T. Coker
Eagle Scout: 1959
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 2005
Clifford A. Cutchins, III
Eagle Scout: 1937
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 1987
John H. Fain
Eagle Scout: 1962
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 2005
O. Frank Kattwinkel
Eagle Scout: 1940
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 1973
Charles R. "Chuck" Kubic
Eagle Scout: 1966
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 2024
Julian Rashkind
Eagle Scout: 1935
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 1971
James R. "Sandy" Sanderson
Eagle Scout: 1943
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 1994
John M. Scheib
Eagle Scout: 1986
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 2025
Robert M. "Bob" Stanton
Eagle Scout: 1951
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 1990
Channing M. Zucker
Eagle Scout: 1954
Distinguished Eagle Scout: 2006