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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.
A story has circulated that
during the late 1940s the Lodge Act allowing non-U.S.
citizen to join the Army, of which many joined the 10th
Special Forces Group. With so many nationalities - and
varying proficiency in English in the 10th
Special Forces Group, a coin was produced as a way to
establish bona fides, “to identify guys in the unit
without a whole lot of wrangling “troopers would show
their coins to prove they were with the 10th.
World War I
During World War I, American
volunteers from all parts of the country filled the
newly formed squadrons. Some were wealthy scions
attending college 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 a small
leather pouch around his neck.
Shortly after acquiring the
medallion, the pilot’s aircraft was severely damage 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 German 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 stumbles onto a French outpost.
Unfortunately, the French in this sector has been
plagued by saboteurs 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
manor: 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 continues throughout the war and for many
years after while surviving members of the squadron were
still alive.
Click on Graphic to Enlarge
Click on Graphic to Enlarge
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