What are Military Challenge Coins?

Video Description

The history of challenge coins is shrouded in mystery. It may have started when an wealthy American Aviator had medallions cast during World War I. When he crashed in France, the French didn't know who he was, but they knew he was allied when he showed them his medallion. Or it may have come from Vietnam where an American bar required "proof" that you were an infantryman for entry. That proof could be a bullet. But when people began bring in enemy grenades, they decided to issue coins as proof. In order to drink, you were "challenged" and had to show your coin. Today it's used as an "atta-boy" if you've done something good, but not so good as to deserve a medal. They might also be given as tokens of appreciation when you visit a unit.