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 he
had 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 coin
to 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 andthe 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. This was accomplished by a challenge conducted in the following manner:
Challenge Coin Rules
- The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and state, shout or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin check. You may also place it or strike it on a hard surface such as a table. If you accidentally drop your coin and it makes an audible sound it is still considered a challenge.
- The response consists of all those present responding in a like manner within 15 seconds. At the time of the challenge you are allowed one step and an arm’s reach to locate your coin. All coin holders present will participate during a challenge. A response can be with any other challenge coin.
- If there is a challenge and a person is unable to respond then the individual(s) without their coin are required to buy a meal and or beverage of choice for the individual who issued the challenge.
- If everyone being challenged responds with their coin then the person who challenged is required to buy a meal for all those he/she challenged.
- Failure to buy a meal and or beverage is considered despicable and a failure of unit trust. Some units require that you return your coin should you do so.
- Coin checks are allowed anytime, anywhere and anyplace.
- There are no exceptions to the rule.
- An organization or unit coin is a coin. Belt buckles are belt buckles, key chains are key chains. However a coin placed in some fashion around the neck is considered a coin.
- You are responsible for your coin. If someone else is looking at or accidentally drops your coin on a hard surface you are responsible for the consequences of the challenge. However, no one can borrow your coin and force a challenge.
- Once you agree to carry a coin it comes with an obligation of group loyalty and traditions of the coin. Don’t accept a coin if you do not share the values and beliefs of the group shared with a willingness to respect the traditions of the challenge coin.
If you carry this coin you do so with an obligation to those ideals it embraces and all challenge coin rules apply. May you carry the coin in good spirit, good health and always with a sense of nobility.
FAQs
The origin of the challenge coin is somewhat murky, hidden perhaps in "the fog of war." Peter Morrell of Wizard Pins (a manufacturer of modern challenge coins) suggests that the challenge coin dates back to Roman times, when soldiers who performed exceptional services would be rewarded with Roman coins which might bear ...
What does it mean if a veteran gives you a challenge coin? ›
Most times challenge coins are created to award or recognize acts of valor, special missions, service to the public, and other actions that are considered to go above and beyond one's normal term of service to the military or to the general public.
What does it mean when a navy seal gives you a coin? ›
Navy SEAL challenge coins are awarded to members of training that survive each phase. Custom designs incorporate the challenges and lessons of: Phase 1- eight weeks of physical conditioning. Phase 2- eight weeks of diving instruction.
What is the history of the challenge coins in the fire service? ›
During World War I, American pilots carried challenge coins as forms of identification in case they were shot down behind enemy lines. Some people believe the fire service adopted challenge coins because many soldiers became firefighters after World War I and World War II.
Why did someone give me a challenge coin? ›
The most common reason you might receive a challenge coin is to represent the membership to a particular organization. This is common within the military, where units often have different types of coins that act as proof of membership or participation in a specific battle or war.
What do you do when you receive a challenge coin? ›
Challenge Coin Rules
- The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and state, shout or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin check. ...
- The response consists of all those present responding in a like manner within 15 seconds.
While civilians cannot carry coins intended for military personnel or law enforcement, they can use their own custom coins. First responders, businesses, fraternal organizations, clubs, sports teams, and so on have all found uses for civilian challenge coins.
Is it an honor to receive a challenge coin? ›
In the realm of military tradition and beyond, the act of being given a challenge coin is a gesture steeped in honor and significance. These coins, more than mere tokens, represent recognition, camaraderie, and a storied history of achievement.
What happens if you lose a challenge coin? ›
5. If all that are challenged produce their coins, the challenger loses and must buy the drinks for all respondents. This too can be expensive, so challenge wisely.
Can anyone have a challenge coin? ›
Yes, anyone can own a challenge coin. While they're often issued to military personnel, anyone can be given a challenge coin. Most commonly, normal people receive them for joining a specific organization.
The tradition of FBI challenge coins originates from military customs, where coins were presented as tokens of recognition and respect. In the FBI, challenge coins are often presented by senior officials as a sign of appreciation for exceptional service or achievement.
Can you give a challenge coin as a gift? ›
Yes, we think challenge coins are a great gift giving item for any holiday or occasion. Custom challenge coins are ideal gifts for both personal and professional settings. Their personal touch goes a long way in conveying your message in a lasting manner.
What is the story behind challenge coins? ›
Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization. Modern day challenge coins may feature popular culture attributes or organizational values.
Does the CIA have challenge coins? ›
Even organizations like the CIA have challenge coins. These designs are made unique because they are designed with a specific purpose in mind.
Why carry a challenge coin? ›
Challenge coins have a special way of instilling pride in its recipients. They serve as a more informal token of appreciation, standing in place of medals and ribbons. The practice has a long history among those in the military and first responders as a way to honor service.
What is the tradition with challenge coins? ›
A challenge coin bears an organization's insignia and is presented by commanders to a member of the unit to recognize special achievement. The Air Force challenge coin tradition is long-standing and is known throughout all specialties, and to all ranks.
What is the purpose of a police challenge coin? ›
Challenge coins for police connect a shared history of courage, duty, and honor. They symbolize the unbreakable bond among those who protect and serve our communities and this tradition should be maintained into the future.
What are military challenge coins given to civilians? ›
In the military, challenge coins are used to recognize achievements or bravery or to promote camaraderie. Civilian challenge coins can be used the same way. They can be given to employees by their bosses or sports players by their coaches to recognize extraordinary achievements.
Does the CIA give challenge coins? ›
Challenge coins are used across government agencies, including the CIA, as a form of non-monetary recognition, carrying significant symbolism and history.
