04/07/2024
Last year, I created a Challenge coin for the 2022-2024 term. I had been selling them to raise funds for ALZ support. However, do you know the history behind this coin and the tradition of how they are given to individuals to recognize their hard work and “excellence” of going above and beyond! Below is a quick history behind the Challenge Coin.
The intent of the challenge coin is to continue the tradition of the military in the spirit established by an American flying squadron in World War I, and to foster "esprit de corps" among the men and women who make up the military. Coins symbolize the uniqueness of the military professional, the sacrifices made and
the pride within each member that drives them in their efforts to serve their country.
During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore around his neck. Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilot’s aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the
Germans took all his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification.
He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be ex*****oners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion. They delayed his ex*****on long
enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back at his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through “The Coin Challenge” in the following manner - a challenger would ask to see the medallion. If the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink
of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughout the war and for many years after the
war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive. Even today, this is a long-standing tradition within the military. A challenge can be initiated ANY TIME,
ANYWHERE, by drawing your coin, holding it in the air, displaying it on a hard surface, or dropping it on the ground and verbally acknowledging to the person or persons that you are initiating a COIN CHECK.” If the challenged persons cannot produce their coin, they are required to purchase a drink of choice for the member who has challenged them. If the challenged member produced their coin, then
the challenging member is required to pay for the drink. Failure to pay for the drink is a despicable crime and will require that an individual turn in his or her coin to the issuing authority.
Today, we provide Challenge Coins to recognize individuals for hard work,
perseverance, and professionalism. This well-rounded object has been a symbol among military members, both U.S. and foreign, for generations. It has maintained its value for more than 100 years of ritualistic practice of informally recognizing an individual’s successes and selfless dedication. Individuals who have received a Challenge Coin will treasure them with pride for recognition of selfless, dedicated
service. To many, this small token is often considered “gold.”
Now you know! – I have sold over 600 Challenge Coins since the start of my term. I
plan to have a few remaining up until the convention.
