DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
Military Retiree's Important Tricare Benefit Increase Proposed changes by Congress
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DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms Military Retiree's Important Tricare Benefit Increase Proposed changes by Congress |
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GENERAL CHARLES T. "TONY" ROBERTSON JR. Donates Coin Collection of Over 600 to Travis Air Museum The History of Military Challenge Coins Military Challenge Coins are an unofficial element of military culture. Hitherto the true origins of these coins is shrouded in legends... During World War I, an American fighter pilot was shot down over "no-mans land. He used a coin with the insignia of his squadron to identify himself to French soldiers intent on shooting him as a suspected saboteur. Thereafter members of his squadron carried their coins at all times. Thus, a ritual challenge began to ensure compliance. If anyone struck their coin on a hard surface, such as a bar, all others in attendance had to respond in kind. Anyone not having their coin had to buy a round of drinks. If everyone had their coin the challenger bought the round. During W.W.II, in the Philippine Islands, a force composed of Philippine, American, British, Australian, and others used the classic guerilla tactic of striking hard and disappearing in the jungle before Japanese forces could react. In order to make contact between unknown guerilla bands, they adopted the expedient method of filing a large one-peso coin flat on one side and stamping it with their unit emblem. This allowed them to carry a means of identification that would be overlooked if they were searched. In Vietnam, members of elite army units always carried one round of ammunition with them just in case. As sometimes happens with traditions this one got a little out of hand. Instead of carrying a rifle or pistol cartridge in their pocket when they visited a hootch (bar) some wise guy carried a larger .50 caliber machine gun round. It wasn't long before 20 mm, 40 mm, and even 105 mm cannon shells were carried to these gatherings. Common sense prevailed and challenge coins replaced live ordinance. Today, challenge coins are a symbol of pride that military members carry, not for personal identification, but to identify themselves as part of a team. Soldiers and airmen from numerous countries have taken up the challenge. One of the ways to make new friends when deployed to distant lands is to trade coins. People strive for the most unusual coins and carrying the coins of another unit or nation is acceptable as long as they can show their connection with that organization. |
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