Why Challenge Coins so Popular in American? It has become the best gift for Military, Police, army, Firefighter, even in Company. Challenge coin are carried as a symbol of pride, teamwork and unity amongst the bravest of our society.
Veterans and Active duty service men and women have prized commemorative coins since World War I, when military coins were issued to battalions as symbols of camaraderie and unity. Over time the 'challenge' came in as a way for a Veteran or service member having a coin to show proof of membership in a campaign, battle, group or event, or to challenge you at the bar to show your coin or buy a round. Medals of America has a large selection of military challenge coins for whatever military service branch the veteran was a part of, including USMC coins, Navy challenge coins and Vietnam coins. Veterans can display their challenge coins proudly in Coin Display Case. These coins are stamped with great quality, so veterans can celebrate these symbols of duty, honor and country for a lifetime.It is our pleasure to present over 200 different Challenge Coins in this extensive Medals of America collection for those who are currently serving or have served in our country's military. Here you will find all divisions of the armed forces represented in vibrant color on a timeless metal background, guaranteed for life. Real military veterans have handpicked every Challenge Coin to ensure that we provide an inclusive assortment that has every battalion and accolade we could find. Many of these coins, like the US Army Airborne All The Way Challenge Coin, MUSC Huey Challenge Coin, Sniper Challenge Coin and Vietnam Door Gunner Coin depict still life scenes of war in amazing detail. Also in this collection of Challenge Coins are a number of Veteran Coins, a Purple Heart Wounded Challenge Coin and a very special In Memoriam Challenge Coin fashioned in the shape of a folded American flag. Also popular in this assortment is the Psalm 23 Challenge Coin as well as the Soldier's Psalm Challenge Coin, which cites Psalm 91:10-11. Challenge Coins are a wonderful tradition to honor those who have served in the US Military.
When is how Challenge coins become popular? there's stories about it's history.
There are many conflicting origin stories for the challenge coin from every branch of service but the most popularly supported lies in the history of the US Army Air Service. This branch existed during World War I as the forerunner to the United States Air Force. The fledgling flying squadron division was staffed by primarily volunteer pilots from all walks of life who were excited to be able to use such advanced technology while serving their country. This excitement drew people in from shore to shore- -from farms, factories and universities the youth of America were stirred to action.
To commemorate the excitement of the times one of the wealthier lieutenants created die-struck bronze medallions for the pilots in his squadron to serve as a memento of their teamwork. Rumored to have been gold plated and finely detailed the pilots treasured this gift and kept them closely guarded during their travels.
As the Army Air Service made her way across Europe one of the squadron’s aircraft sustained damage forcing the pilot to land on enemy territory. Captured by the German army the pilot’s belongings were confiscated and he was sent to a prisoner of war facility. The pilot’s captors had, however, missed one small detail. The pilot had managed to keep his squadron medallion in a leather pouch around his neck.
In an additional turn of odd luck as the soldier was being transported to the POW camp the transport group stopped at an occupied village en route to rest the night before continuing. Overnight this village was raided by the British and during the general confusion the soldier managed to escape captivity. Wearing civilian clothing the soldier raced towards safety. Once he reached allied French soldiers he soon realized the danger was not past. Warned of saboteurs dressed as local citizens, the French soldiers demanded proof of identity. With all of his official information in enemy hands, how could he prove that he was actually an American pilot to the security patrol?
As he stood facing guaranteed execution the soldier pulled the medallion from around his neck. Recognizing the unit insignia on the coin one of the new captors called for a stay of execution long enough to confirm the soldier’s identity. Upon returning home news of the soldier’s plight spread. Soon what began as a simple gift amongst teammates became a proud military tradition amongst service men and women that lasts to this day.
