The Distinguished Service Award was created in 1940 to honor those who gave great service to the Order of the Arrow beyond the Lodge level. Among the first ten recipients were the founders of the Order of the Arrow, E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson.   Since the award was created in 1940, approximately 500 people have been honored with the award.  The awards are presented at a National gathering such as NOAC.

The award can be given to both youth and adults.  Candidates must be nominated and reviewed.  The award is given to those who show great service to Order of the Arrow beyond the Lodge level, on a sectional, regional or national basis.  As can be seen from the few number of awards given in over fifty years, it is a very great honor.  Arrowmen whose service records are the most outstanding and extend the furthest beyond others are usually selected to be bestowed with the National Distinguished Service Award.

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