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MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. - Military members
around the world can be found with small, customized metal coins in
their pockets, displayed on their desks or in their homes; what is
the significance of these coins and why do some service members hold
onto them so dearly?
The truth is ... there isn't one single
reason. There are many different myths, legends and personal reasons
as to why these coins are so important.
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Challenge coins collected from active and
retired service members on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow,
Calif. The challenge coin has represented esprit de corps and has
been part of military tradition for decades. (U.S. Marine Corps
photo by Pfc. Samuel Ranney, Aug. 19, 2013)
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Patrick Wolcott, the mission assurance officer on Marine
Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., and retired Air Force
chief master sergeant, has heard many of these stories.
One popular story of the challenge coin dates back to
the Army Air Corps during World War I. Legend has it that a
prosperous lieutenant bought medallions dipped in bronze
displaying the squadron's insignia to give to each member of
his unit.
After this, a pilot within the unit was
shot down and captured by the Germans; they took every form
of identification from him ... except a leather pouch carrying
his unit's coin.
The young pilot managed to escape
during a firefight, then cross “no man's land” to reach a
French outpost. The French, although in alliance with the
Americans, did not believe that he was one and were prepared
to execute him. The pilot showed the only form of
identification on his person - the challenge coin. Luckily
for the American pilot, the French recognized the insignia
on the coin and instead of executing him, served him wine.
From then on, the unit made it a tradition to carry the coin
on them at all times.
Another story Wolcott is
familiar with occurred during World War II, overseas where
American currency was banned at the time. The Japanese would
immediately destroy any American currency they came across ...
so, an underground Filipino unit used American silver
dollars as a form of identification. If another member
“challenged” their identity thinking they were Japanese
spies, they would pull out their silver dollars to prove
they belonged in the unit.
Aside from proving
identity, Wolcott has heard of and even participated in
challenge coin games. If members of a unit went out and
someone slammed a challenge coin on the table, everyone
would have to do the same. If someone did not have one on
them, they would pay the check; however, if everyone had
one, the challenger paid.
“It's a way to boost
morale,” Wolcott explained.
Wolcott believes this is
where the name challenge coin originated from; if someone
challenges your identity with a specific unit, you have the
coin. If someone challenges your esprit de corps ... you have
the coin.
Whether these stories are true or not is
up for debate, but regardless the challenge coin has been
part of military tradition for years, explained Raymond
Aguilar, the safety officer on MCLB Barstow and retired Army
master sergeant.
“For me, they are in recognition for
doing something above and beyond,” Aguilar said. “They're
not presented to just anyone ... it's a limited few.”
Aguilar and Wolcott both agree that challenge coins are a
memorable and inexpensive way to recognize someone on the
spot.
“Limited edition coins may cost more, but
(challenge coins) are generally three to five dollars,”
Wolcott added.
Aguilar designed a coin to give out
on behalf of the base safety office.
“It's important
to recognize people for doing right ... they will be more
likely to do it again,” Aguilar explained.
Wolcott
and Aguilar both display numerous challenge coins in their
offices, as do many other service members.
Corporal
Bryanna Kessler, a stableman on MCLB Barstow, for example,
takes pride in a coin given to her during the 1st Marine
Division's Bodfish campout.
“It was given to me by a
retired Marine who was with 7th Marines, and the president
of the campout committee,” Kessler explained. “It's normally
only given to Marines who deploy within 7th Marines; I am
the first female to have received one.”
No matter
where challenge coins originated from, or whether they were
given as part of membership within a unit or a form of
recognition, challenge coins are important to their
possessors. They are something that uphold military
tradition, regardless of service or rank.
By USMC Pfc. Samuel Ranney
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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