The History of the Challenge Coin

 

During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons in Europe. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in mid-term to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. One young pilot placed the medallion in a small leather pouch that he wore about 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 all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night, he escaped. However, he was without personal identification.

 

He succeeded in avoiding German patrols by donning civilian attire and reached the front lines.With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in the sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. He had no identification to prove his allegiance, but he did have his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners and one of his French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion. They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine.

 

Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner -a challenger would ask to see the medallion. If the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued on throughout the war and for many years after the war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.

 

We proudly continue this tradition today with the challenge coin.

 

"Coin Check" Rules: A "Coin Check" consists of a challenge and response. A challenge is initiated by either holding your coin in the air or slamming it on a table or floor and yelling "Coin Check!" Individuals challenged must respond by showing their Coin with their own unit's logo to the challenger within 10 seconds. Anyone challenged who doesn't show their Coin must buy a round of drinks for all challenged, including the challenger. Coin Checks are permitted anywhere and anytime. If everyone being challenged produces their Coin, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all challenged. If you accidentally drop your Coin and it makes an audible sound on impact, then you "accidentally" initiated a Coin Check.

There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to clothed or un-clothed. One step and an arms reach are allowed. A Coin is a Coin. They are not belt buckles, key chains or necklaces. Coins worn in a holder around the neck are valid. Always carry your coin as a reminder of your commitment and connection to something bigger in your daily life.

                                                               

After about 10 years of thought, debate, various designs and a whole lot of machinations- WE HAVE AN ALL FACs CHALLENGE COIN!!! Thanks almost solely to the persistent and tenacious efforts of Jay Barnes (Jake 26 and our FACA Board Secretary), the Board unanimously approved the design and they were struck in time to be made available at our annual Board meeting, which was held in conjunction with the Jake reunion.

 

The coins will be available to purchase at the national reunions or you can get yours now (before the next reunion) by contacting Al Matheson via e-mail at "Al Matheson" <citabriair@yahoo.com> and place an order for one (or more).  For your convience we have placed an order form right here on the website, click here to place your order on line. The coins are available for a nominal fee of $5 (plus $5 S&H) for members of the Association and $10 (again, plus $5 S&H) for non-members.

 

In a recent note from Charlie Pocock, he says..

 

"Needless to say it was the first envelope I opened.  I dumped out the contents on the kitchen counter.  Inside was Phil's card, a single page History of the Challenge Coin and another small envelope with a note on the outside.  Inside the small envelope was the most beautiful challenge coin I have ever seen.  The coin is shiney gold or polished brass, white enamel on one side with "Forward Air Controllers Association" around the rim and the three airplane logo in the center.  In the center of the other side of the coin is a map of Southeast Asia on a sky blue enamel background, around the edge are listed the five squadrons, the Ravens and the 504th Group.  The edge on both sides is fluted so when you feel it in your pocket you can't mistake it for anything else.  It is simply gorgeous and it feels welcome and just right in my pocket.

 

Oh yes!  What does the note on the envelope say?  "Charlie.  Thank you for your service to our great country and for all you have done for us FACs and the Association.  Hope to see you in Tucson in '12.  We finally have a FAC coin!  Best regards, Phil, Jake 26"

 

Thank you very much Phil, and thank you to the FAC Association.

 

Charlie Pocock "