Our Original Club Coin

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Our club coin was created to honor the many enlisted men and woman in our community as well as a collectible souvenir. We do not consider it a Challenge Coin but, feel the story behind it is inspiring.  

History behind the Challenge Coin

Legend or lie, it's a great story

      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 midterm 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 a small leather sack about his neck.
      Shortly after acquiring the medallions, this pilot's 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 he donned civilian clothes and 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 into a French outpost. Unfortunately, the French in this sector of the front 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 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 for him 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 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 challenger 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 still alive.

From Wikipedia

How the Challenge Occurs

      Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE'
      There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted one step and an arm’s reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it -- SORRY ABOUT THAT! 
A Coin is a coin. Coins attached on belt buckles are considered "belt buckles." Coins that have been altered to act as key chains are considered "key chains"; however, if a coin is placed in a "holder/clasp", it may be used as a key chain or worn around the neck like a necklace and is still considered a coin.

From Wikipedia

      This is a time honored tradition in the military, and is still being practiced inside several military units, (but to a lesser degree.)  We consider having a Club Coin a way to show honor and respect for our military. We, as a car club, do not encourage nor participate in any Coin challenge that involves alcohol, whether purchased or received.