The Boy Scout Oath tells members to "help other people at all times".

One area scout's ability to do just that was recently put to the test when a life was threatened.

The uniform of 12-year-old boy scout Cooper Mattingly has merit badges for wood carving, athletics, and leather work.

One's the most special of the bunch.

"I took a first aid merit badge at boy scout camp," Cooper explains.

Today, Cooper's having lunch with football buddy, homework partner, and dad, Michael, in addition to mom Shelley, sister Campbell, and brothers Caleb and Caden.

The family's all here after a recent frightening experience.

"Well, we were pulling out of a fast food restaurant," Cooper begins.

"I started to cough and a french fry was lodged in my windpipe," Michael remembers.

"He was making this gasping sound and took a drink, and I could tell he wasn't breathing anymore," Cooper adds.

"It's terrifying, like time stands still," Michael admits. "I know it was just seconds, but you'd be surprised how many thoughts go through your mind."

Using speed learned with from him athletics merit badge, Cooper sprang into action.

"I just thought, 'I'm the one who has to do it'," Cooper says.

Then, using skills learned from his first aid merit badge, Cooper saved his dad.

"He felt two arms slip around him and start doing the heimlich," says Caleb.

"Within a couple blows, he dislodged it, and I could breathe again," Michael continues.

"When dad got back up there and was alright, I was glad he did it," Campbell says.

"We got back on the road and I said, 'thank you, buddy'," says Michael. "He said, 'well, that's alright'."

This humble kid isn't going unnoticed.

He's adding an exclusive life saving medal of merit from Boy Scouts of America to his uniform, and best of all, he's got his dad around to help him earn even more badges.

"He's cool, completely cool," Michael laughs. "He's my hero."

Cooper will be picking up his exclusive medal at the Boy Scouts Annual Council Banquet on February 28th in Madisonville.