Challenge Coins,Honoring World War II Veterans, (5)

Join in a Long-Standing Tradition of Excellence with Five Challenge Coins Honoring World War II

Challenge coins recognize outstanding service, raise morale, or unify a unit within the US military.  Often bearing the insignia or emblem of a military unit or organization, they are meaningful symbols of being a part of something bigger than themselves and are a great source of pride. 
The coins feature key events, military units, and equipment of World War II

• The Invasion of Normandy, often called D-Day, began on June 6, 1944. Some 155,000 Allied troops stormed the shores of Normandy.  These men faced obstacles, land mines, and withering German gunfire as they crossed the beaches and made their way inland.  D-Day was the beginning of the defeat of the Nazis and victory for the Allies.
• The Flying Tigers was the nickname for the 1st American Volunteer Group. It was made up of pilots and ground crews that volunteered to aid China in its fight against Japan before America entered the war.  They protected the Burma Road, a vital supply route for China.  After the US declared war on Japan, the Flying Tigers were disbanded.  During its eight months of service, the group shot down almost 300 enemy aircraft.
• The Screaming Eagles were officially known as the 101st Airborne Division. Formed in August 1942, its first combat mission was during the D-Day invasion.  Members of the 101st parachuted behind enemy lines, secured exits for those landing on Utah Beach, and destroyed a German artillery battery.  The division continued after World War II ended, fighting in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
• The 37th Armored Regiment was one of the first US forces to enter Germany during the war. Created in January 1941, it sailed for England three years later.  In July 1944, the 37th landed on the shores of Normandy then helped push the Germans across France.  On December 16, tanks belonging to the 37th were the first in the 4th Armored Division to enter Germany. 
• The Willys MB, nicknamed Jeep, was designed to be a reconnaissance vehicle, but proved to be so much more. President Eisenhower called it “one of the three decisive weapons the US had during WWII.”  This versatile vehicle was given a number of nicknames including “Leaping Lena” and “Panzer Killer.”  The one that stuck was Jeep.  During World War II, the Willys-Overland company produced 363,000 Jeeps, and Ford manufactured another 280,000.

Challenge Coins - A Custom That Began Over 100 Years Ago

During World War I, a wealthy American lieutenant had bronze medals created for each man in his flying squadron.  When one pilot’s plane crashed and he was captured by the Germans, they took all his identification except the squad medal, carried in a pouch around his neck.  The pilot finally escaped and made it to a friendly French outpost, but had no way to prove he wasn’t an impostor.  The French were going to execute him until he showed his medallion.  Thankfully, one of the French soldiers recognized it, and the pilot’s identity was confirmed soon after.  The French gave him a bottle of wine as an apology for their mistake.
After that, every man in the pilot’s squadron carried his medal at all times.  This was enforced by the periodic issuing of a challenge.  When one man issued a challenge to another, he’d have to produce his meal immediately or else buy a drink for the challenger – giving the medallion the nickname “Challenge Coin.”
Today, Challenge Coins are awarded for major accomplishments and as recognition of membership in a military group.  They are usually presented by way of a handshake.  The coins have become a long-standing military tradition.  Even the secretary of each branch of the armed services and the President of the United States distribute the specially designed coins. 

These pieces of proud military history and tradition have become popular collector’s pieces. Order your World War II Challenge Coins today.