The Value is in the Eye of the Beholder Essay

The Value is in the Eye of the Beholder
Suzanne Shipdriver

The Value is in the Eye of the Beholder Essay
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Senior Enlisted Academy
Class 198 Orange Group
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Senior Enlisted Academy
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The Value is in the Eye of the Beholder
A coin of zero monetary value was worth the life of a man. Senior enlisted leaders should
know the history behind military challenge coins, because they are the caretakers of military
history and tradition. This essay will cover the background of the coin, their evolution, and their
importance to military culture.
Background
There are no official records detailing the history of military challenge coins, but as
Emily Baumgaertner (2018) indicated in her article in The New York Times, there is one
common tale that most people consider true. That narrative states that during World War I
(WWI), a wealthy lieutenant presented his flying unit with solid bronze medallions that he paid
to have struck with the squadrons insignia. At the time, there was no meaning or value to these
medallions other than a kind gesture from a wealthy lieutenant. One of those medallions given to
a young pilot ended up in a leather pouch, which he wore around his neck from that point
forward. After sustaining damage to his aircraft, the young pilot lands behind enemy lines
leading to immediate capture and detention by German forces. To deter escape, the German
captors stripped the young pilot of all his possessions, with the exception of the leather pouch
(Baumgaertner, 2018).
The tale goes on to claim that one night during an attack on the Germans, the young pilot
escaped and eluded the Germans by acquiring and wearing civilian clothing. He succeeded in
making it to an allied French outpost, but found himself facing execution because the French
thought him to be a saboteur. To the pilots misfortune, that particular outpost had been victim to
frequent attempts by saboteurs dressed as civilians hoping to harm the French. Due to lack of
proper identification to show allegiance, the French went into execution mode as a means of self-
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defense (Baumgaertner, 2018). Remembering that he had the stamped medallion bearing the
insignia of his squadron, he presented it as proof of his allegiance and as luck would have it, one
of the Frenchmen recognized the insignia granting him more time to confirm his identity
resulting in the cancellation of his execution. This event led to the tradition of every member in
that squadron carrying their medallion, which was now dubbed a coin, at all times (Challenge
Coin History and Rules of the Coin, n.d.). Knowledge of the background of the challenge coins
lays the foundation for their evolution.
Evolution
The coin that saved the young pilot in WWI was a piece of scrap bronze with a stamp on
it. Military historian Kevin Santiago (2019) notes that todays coins are far more elaborate and
intricate and have evolved into more than just a stamped piece of metal. He attributes the change
to the advances in manufacturing techniques that have also evolved over the years (Santiago,
2019). They are not just round like a typical coin or the medallion that the young WWI pilot
handed out; some are in the shape of ships, aircraft, people, and even characters from cartoons
and movies. Modern manufacturing techniques enable the ability to display 3-dimensional
images similar to the detail found on actual currency. Virtually every element of a custom coin
now can be tailored to suit individual preferences (Santiago, 2019, Challenge Coins Today
Section, para. 2). The evolution of military challenge coins from pieces of scrap metal to
intricate pieces signify their importance to military culture.
Importance
Challenge coins are popular across all branches of the military amongst all their
communities and ranks (Santiago, 2019). In the U.S. Navy, unit commanders can use
appropriated funds to purchase command coins that they present or award at their discretion as
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per Naval Administrative Message 184/14 (Howard, 2014). These coins are given or awarded for
any action deemed worthy by the bearer of the coins. Some examples include exceptional
performance, specific achievement, and outstanding physical fitness scores. It is a small item
generally presented within a handshake, but since the recipient does not expect it and due to the
personal nature of the coin, it is a very generous and personal gesture. According to the Chief
Petty Officers Guide, using ones reward power is a proven way to show recognition of hard
work and a motivator to those not performing at their full potential (Kingsbury, 2018).
These coins also serve to promote unity and esprit de corps. According to Tracy English,
a historian at the Air Forces 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas,
these coins have always been about morale and commitment (Baumgaertner, 2018). From their
beginning, these coins have served as proof of the bearers allegiance. Sometimes they are
exchanged or traded with members of different groups or presented to other groups as a sign of
appreciation, or maybe to mark an occasion. Coins from different Chief Messes are on display in
almost any Mess across the Navy, but still communicate pride and comradery. The relevancy of
challenge coins in todays military is evident on a daily basis in large part due to the history of
the coins (Santiago, 2019).
This essay covered the background of military challenge coins, their evolution, and their
importance to military culture. Senior enlisted leaders should know the history behind military
challenge coins, because they are the caretakers of military history and tradition. A stamped
piece of non-precious metal became the most valuable thing to a man facing death; allowing it to
lose its worth now would be tragic.
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References
Baumgaertner, E. (2018, April 11). Morale, allegiance and drinking: How military challenge
coins evolved and spread. The New York Times.
Challenge Coin History and Rules of the Coin. (n.d.).
http://www.goatlocker.org/resources/cpo/history/cpocoin.htm
Howard, M. (2014). Judicious use of command coins and presentation items. (NAVADMIN
184/14). Washington, DC: Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupersnpc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/N
AV2014/NAV14184.txt
Kingsbury, P. A. (2018). Chief Petty Officer’s Guide (2nd ed.). Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute
Press.
Santiago, K. (2019, April 12). Military challenge coins a lasting tradition within the armed
services. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/military-challenge-coins-3354113
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