HERALDRY OF DETACHMENT 040 COIN
Created Spring 2002



EXPLANATIONS OF SYMBOLOGY


SIDE 1:

AFROTC emblem surrounded by the Air Force core values

SIDE 2:

21st century Air Force Symbol with lion, mascot of host unit, signifying RIDE, COURAGE, and STRENGTH!


COIN CHALLENGE EXPLANATION

1. A coin challenge is initiated by either drawing your coin, or slamming it on a table and yelling "Coin Check!"

2. The individual (s) who are challenged must respond by drawing their own coin and showing it to the challenger.

3. If any member is challenged and is unable to brandish a coin within an allotted amount of time, that person must buy a round of drinks for everyone being challenged, including the challenger. If all members brandish a coin, then the challenger must buy a round for every member.

4. According to several sources, coin checks are permitted anywhere and anytime.


HISTORY OF THE CHALLENGE COIN

During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. 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 carrying the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. He himself carried his medallion in small leather pouch around his neck.

Shortly after acquiring the medallions, the pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was force 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 and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, the French in this sector had been plagued by saboteurs. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him 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 for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle
of wine.

Back at his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that 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 buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged him. If the challenged member produced his coin, 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 still alive. The men and women of
Detachment 040, Loyola Marymount University proudly continue this tradition.

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