According to
this site, the SF challenge coin made its appearance in 1969:
Quote:
History of the Challenge Coin
Special Forces
The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was the first for Special Forces Coins, established by COL Vernon E. Greene, 10th SFGA Commander in 1969. The original having a Trojan Horse on the front was used as a fund raiser to help purchase a German Wood Carved Special Forces Trooper that was in it's glass home with special temp and humidity controls.
|
My question:
Has anyone ever heard of the Kennedy Half-Dollar being used? My father states that right after the coin was minted [1964], SF troopers would carry one in their wallets and use as a challenge coin. He still has the one I saw in his wallet from 1964~70.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by dad
A trivia thought from the past for you: Long before unit coins were thought of, Special Forces Troops carried the JFK half dollar in their wallets. I believe this has been a well kept secret. So now you know and I’ll have to shoot you!!!!!!
|
I'm wondering if that was just a small localized tradition, or Group-wide? [He was in the 1st at DLI (Thai) when Kennedy was assassinated; when the coin was minted he was with the 6th; follow-on with 5th, then Training Group.]
Thanks