Challenge coins have long been a valued tradition in the military world, embraced by everyone from high-ranking officials to foot soldiers for more than a century. These tokens vary in form, ranging from traditional round coins to shapes like pentagons or even dog tags. While the exact history and lore is hotly debated, the most frequently occurring story is outlined below:
During WWI, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Harvard and Yale who quit mid-term to join the war. In one squadron a lieutenant ordered medallions struck on solid bronze carrying the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. He carried his medallion in a pouch 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 his uniform and all personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck not realizing the significance of the coin.
Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification. He succeeded in avoiding German patrols and reached the front lines. With great difficulty he crossed no-man’s land. Eventually he stumbled into a French outpost.
Unfortunately, the French in his sector had been plagued by saboteurs. The saboteurs sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot’s American accent and since hehad no uniform or any form or identification, the French thought he was a saboteur and were going to execute him. Just in time he remembered the coin in the leather pouch. He showed the cointo his would be executioners. His French captors recognized the squadron symbol on the coin and delayed long enough to confirm his identity whereupon they shared a bottle of wine with him. They were challenging him to prove that he was one of them, that they shared the same cause and the coin saved his life.
Back at his squadron, and after hearing his story, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their coin at all times.
Source Credit:
https://dps.syr.edu/law-enforcement/history-of-the-challenge-coin/
https://www.defense.gov/News/Inside-DOD/Blog/article/2567302/the-challenge-coin-tradition-do-you-know-how-it-started/
Photo Credits:
Photo By:Pfc. Samuel Ranney
Photo By:Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman