To many Marines, receiving a unit coin is an honor. Most Marines who have been "coined" carry the medallions with them everywhere they go, some leaving their wallets forever deformed. History tells us that if you have a coin, it goes where you go, and you must present it when challenged by another coin holder.
Today coins are traded and bought, but to the deserving ones they are presented, where the meaning of "coined" is derived. In a ceremony here, Lt. Gen. Earl B. Hailston, commanding general, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, presented his personal coin to MARCENT's Combat Service Support Element.
"It's always a pleasure to recognize Marines," said Hailston. "I truly appreciate all Marines. I present coins because I especially respect certain Marines and Sailors for going beyond the normal call of duty."
Aplington, Iowa native, Staff Sgt. Donavan L. Ubben, 37, is the utilities chief at Marine Forces Central Command. He said the presentation from the general was appreciated by all his Marines. These engineers have played a major role in the deployment of MARCENT, providing everything from building structures to the power that keeps the command generating.
"We all know our leaders appreciate the hard work. But this was special and the Marines' morale went off the scale," said Ubben. "You don't have three star generals handing out their personal coin everyday."
First Sergeant Michael E. Gonzales, headquarters battalion sergeant major said, "Coins show your pride in the unit you serve with. They build esprit de corps, camaraderie and moral. They're also an excellent way for commanders to reward Marines on the spot for a job well done."
"It felt like all the hard work has paid off," said Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Sanders, 20, a generator mechanic from Medina, N.Y. "We've put in a lot of hours to make the camp what is today, and it's great that the top of your senior leadership notices what we are doing."
Sergeant Michael G. Hammond, 22, combat engineer, said that he's collected a few coins over the years, but this coin means a little more. "It's personalized," said the West Frankfurt, Ill., native. "It means a lot when someone in General Hailston's position takes the time to recognize his Marines. My crew has worked hard, and it's nice to see them appreciated. To me this means more than any medal, because it's a personal thank you."
Hailston added, "I want them to know that Earl Hailston watches what they do and sees when we have folks who go that extra mile. Maybe that coin will remind them that they are greatly appreciated."
The origins of these unique discs may be a mystery. The history of the coin is much like a sea story - there's more than one. But they share one thing in common, they were born in a combat environment.
Historical research reaches far back to the Roman Empire where coins were presented to reward achievement. The use of coins by Americans dates back to World War I, when a pilot ordered medallions struck in solid bronze, carrying his squadron's emblem, for every member of his squadron.
This pilot's idea to produce the coins would soon pay off, but after his aircraft was damaged by ground fire and he was forced to land behind German enemy lines. He carried his medallion in a small leather pouch worn around his neck. Ultimately, the pilot was captured and stripped of all his personal identification and belongings, except for the pouch.
In the meantime, he was taken to a French town near the front. Taking advantage of an allied attack that night, he donned civilian clothes and escaped. With only his medallion for identification he stumbled upon a French outpost. Recognizing the pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a German saboteur masquerading as a civilian and prepared to execute him.
In a last ditch effort to avoid death the pilot presented his medallion to his would-be executioners. Luckily, they recognized the squadron insignia and delayed long enough to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine. Back at his squadron it became tradition to ensure all members carried their medallion or coin at all times.
Some say the U.S. Army first introduced unit coins. But these coins came in the form of live ordnance. The Soldiers were comprised of small, elite, front-line fighters who carried a personalized bullet from the weapons they carried in combat.
Fellow team members would challenge each other to produce his "round", if the unsuspecting soldier could not produce results he was given a small chore; usually in the form of buying a round of drinks.
Over time the "bullet club's" popularity grew and it wasn't an uncommon site to see a full range of bullets, rockets, cannon and artillery shells strewn across bar room tables. In order to gain control of the exploding situation - and to avoid negligent discharges of the fully functional munitions - bullets were traded for coins.
Regardless of the origins, coins heighten excitement and foster unit esprit de corps. They've found their way from tokens of appreciation onto tables at mess nights, Marine Corps Birthday Balls, retirement ceremonies, and many other occasions that share history and tradition.