Challenge Coins - Prisoners of War (2)

Join in a Long-Standing Tradition of Excellence with Two Challenge Coins Honoring Prisoners of War

Challenge coins recognize outstanding service, raise morale, or unify a unit within the US military.  Often bearing the insignia or emblem of a military unit or organization, they are meaningful symbols of being a part of something bigger than themselves and are a great source of pride. 
The coins feature the POW/MIA flag.  One of the coins is shaped like a dog tag worn by every member of the US servicemen. 

The history of the POWMIA flag can be traced back to the Vietnam War.  Many American servicemen were taken prisoner or were missing in action during the war.  In order to support one another, family members in the US formed the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. 
In 1971, Mary Hoff’s husband, Michael was missing in action.  She believed the cause needed a flag and contacted a flag manufacturer.  Designer Newt Heisley was enlisted for the project.  He chose a gaunt figure of a captive, with a guard tower in the background.
The new POW/MIA flag became a familiar symbol of the plight of missing and imprisoned servicemembers.  On August 10, 1990, Congress passed a law recognizing the flag as “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, this ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation.”

Challenge Coins - A Custom That Began Over 100 Years Ago

During World War I, a wealthy American lieutenant had bronze medals created for each man in his flying squadron.  When one pilot’s plane crashed and he was captured by the Germans, they took all his identification except the squad medal, carried in a pouch around his neck.  The pilot finally escaped and made it to a friendly French outpost, but had no way to prove he wasn’t an impostor.  The French were going to execute him until he showed his medallion.  Thankfully, one of the French soldiers recognized it, and the pilot’s identity was confirmed soon after.  The French gave him a bottle of wine as an apology for their mistake.
After that, every man in the pilot’s squadron carried his medal at all times.  This was enforced by the periodic issuing of a challenge.  When one man issued a challenge to another, he’d have to produce his meal immediately or else buy a drink for the challenger – giving the medallion the nickname “Challenge Coin.”
Today, Challenge Coins are awarded for major accomplishments and as recognition of membership in a military group.  They are usually presented by way of a handshake.  The coins have become a long-standing military tradition.  Even the secretary of each branch of the armed services and the President of the United States distribute the specially designed coins. 

These pieces of proud military history and tradition have become popular collector’s pieces. Order your POW/MIA Challenge Coins today.