Ford also saved a hiker last summer

Ford, who offers his flying skills and helicopter for rescue missions, joined the search for the boy and, after scouring the area for two hours, swooped down to save the cold, exhausted youngster.

"Boy, you sure must have earned a merit badge for this one," said the Indiana Jones star.

Cody, who was dressed only in a t-shirt and shorts, survived a rainy night by taking cover under a rock outcrop. He was lost from Monday lunchtime until Tuesday morning.

Cuddle

His mother, Peggy Clawson from Huntsville in Utah, said the other boys wanted to know if Cody had asked Ford for his autograph.

Her son had replied: "No, but I got a hug and a handshake, and that's better than an autograph."

This is the second time in a year that Ford has guided his helicopter in a rescue operation.

Last July, he plucked a hiker off 3330-metre (11,000-foot) Table Mountain in Teton County.

Sarah George climbed up the mountain, but was prevented by altitude sickness and dehydration from climbing down. Ford picked her up and flew her to hospital.