Following the resignation of Richard Nixon, Eagle Scout Gerald Ford became the 38^th President of the United States of America. Although not an Arrowman (the OA was not offered in Grand Rapids during his youth) Gerald Ford was named a Distinguished Eagle Scout in 1970.

To date, Ford has been the only president to attain the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth.

Ford stated,

One of the proudest moments of my life came in the Court of Honor when I was awarded my Eagle Scout badge. I still have that badge. It is a treasured possession.