![]() ![]() ![]() The pilot escaped and made his way to France. The Germans took everything on his person except the small leather pouch he wore around his neck that happened to contain his medallion. Shortly after, one of the young flying aces was shot down over Germany and captured. The First Official Challenge Coin…MaybeĪlthough no one is certain how challenge coins came to be, one story dates back to World War I, when a wealthy officer had bronze medallions struck with the flying squadron’s insignia to give to his men. Still other coins are handed out to civilians for publicity, or even sold as a fund-raising tool. There are also coins that a soldier can use like an ID badge to prove they served with a particular unit. ![]() While many coins are still handed out as tokens of appreciation for a job well done, especially for those serving as part of a military operation, some administrators exchange them almost like business cards or autographs they can add to a collection. Today, the use of coins in the military is much more nuanced. Some accounts say that the coin was specially minted with a mark of the legion from which it came, prompting some men to hold on to their coins as a memento, rather than spend them on women and wine. If a soldier performed well in battle that day, he would receive his typical day’s pay, and a separate coin as a bonus. One of the earliest known examples of an enlisted soldier being monetarily rewarded for valor took place in Ancient Rome. One thing is certain: Coins and military service go back a lot farther than our modern age. It's nearly impossible to definitively know why and where the tradition of challenge coins began. The designs can be simple-an engraving of the organization's insignia and motto-or have enamel highlights, multi-dimensional designs, and cut outs. The coins are generally made of pewter, copper, or nickel, with a variety of finishes available (some limited edition coins are plated in gold). Typically, challenge coins are around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and about 1/10-inch thick, but the styles and sizes vary wildly-some even come in unusual shapes like shields, pentagons, arrowheads, and dog tags. Even though challenge coins have broken into the civilian population, they're still a bit of a mystery for those outside the armed forces. There are many examples of traditions that build camaraderie in the military, but few are as well-respected as the practice of carrying a challenge coin-a small medallion or token that signifies a person is a member of an organization. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |