The History of the Military Coin
- According to some accounts, the history of the military coin can be traced back to World War I.Korean War Memorial Soldier image by p_gangler from Fotolia.com
Unlike official insignia or medals, the military challenge coin is an unofficial form of praise or recognition. Because of this, the precise origin of the military coin is difficult to determine. To further complicate things, each service has its own history that often includes the development of the challenge coin. - The military coin may have roots in aviation units during the first World War.Aircraft Engine#1 image by Bebopgeo from Fotolia.com
According to MilitaryCoins.com, the challenge coin's history can be traced back to the aviation corps of World War I. Many aviators left college and prosperous lives to fight in the war. Legend has it that a wealthy lieutenant had a bronze medallion struck with the squadron emblem for every member of the squadron. He was said to have carried his in a leather pouch around his neck. He was later shot down, and all his identification and personal belongings were taken by the enemy upon capture except the leather pouch around his neck. After escaping, he was able to prove his identity to the French with the only thing he still had in his possession, his medallion. - Some accounts trace the military challenge coin's origin to the Vietnam War, when personalized coins were substituted for personalized bullets.Vietnam War Memorial image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
According to GlobalSecurity.org, the challenge coin originated in the jungles of Vietnam among soldiers during breaks in fighting. Over drinks, these soldiers formed bullet clubs and each carried a personalized bullet, or sometimes a larger form of munition. Upon entering a club, a new soldier would be forced to produce his bullet. Fearing accidental discharge due to live munitions and alcohol, commanders traded personalized coins for the bullets. - Today military coins serve a number of functions and are commonly awarded to individuals as a form of unofficial recognition.f-16 fighter jet image by sonya etchison from Fotolia.com
Today, military challenge coins are far more common. In addition to unit coins, commanders and other military leaders often carry personalized coins to give to service members in recognition of a particular accomplishment. Coins are even available for sale on the Internet and on base. Despite the commonality of challenge coins, they remain a potent symbol of military appreciation, going all the way up the chain to the Commander in Chief. - The president as Commander in Chief has awarded coins to military members on numerous occasions, most recently after the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.The White House image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
As Commander in Chief of the armed forces, the president is an official part of the military chain of command. It's no wonder that the military custom of presenting coins includes the most senior leader. In 2009, after the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, the president placed his Commander's Coin on each of the memorials of the victims. This display of appreciation demonstrates the continued role military challenge coins play in the history of the U.S. armed forces.
