History of the Military Coin
During World War I, American volunteers form all over the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit in midterm to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze emblazoned with the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. The lieutenant carried his medallion in a small leather pouch around his neck.
Shortly after acquiring the medallions, his 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, de donned civilian clothes and escaped. He was without personal identification, however. He succeeded in avoiding German patrols and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed No-Man's Land and eventually stumbled into a French outpost.
Unfortunately, the French in this sector of the front had been plagued by saboteurs. These saboteurs 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. Just in time, he remembered his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would be executioners. His French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion and delayed long enough to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back with his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through a challenge in the following manner: A challenger would ask to see the coin. If the challenged could not produce his coin, he was required to purchase a drink of choice for the member who had challenged him. If the challenged member produced his coin, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughout the war and for many years after, while surviving members of the squadron were alive.
The Dyess Air Force Base Chief's Group proudly keeps this tradition alive.
