A challenge coin bears an organization’s insignia and is carried by the organization’s members. They are used to enhance morale and also collected by service members. Often unit commanders present their men with these coins in recognition of special achievement. The coins also commemorate visits to different organizations.
This coin belonged to the donor Capt. Matthew Dwyer. He was the first 1st Lieutenant selected by the Marine Corps to fly the MV-22 out of Marine Squadron VT-2 in Milton, Florida. He then received V-22 flight training in VMMT-204 in August 2006 and was assigned to VMM-162, the second operational V-22 squadron. He was then assigned as the Aviation Life Support Systems officer and deployed to Al Asad Air base in Iraq March-October 2008. He had the privilege of flying Barack Obama, then the Democratic presidential candidate, from Ar Ramadi, Iraq to Amman, Jordan, a flight only capable in a V-22 aircraft. Following his deployment and flying numerous combat missions in the Middle East, he was then deployed with VMM-162 (reinforced) as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2010 to Haiti for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief after the earthquake.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Type
AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons
Pilot
Captain Matthew T. Dwyer (USMC)
Physical Description
United States Marine Corps VMM-162 squadron challenge coin; Obverse, relief of Marine Corps, globe, anchor, and eagle insignia in gold with red enamel background, black enamel boarder with raised gold letter text "UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SEMPER FIDELIS", rope edge; Reverse: gold eagle displayed with white enameled sword with black enameled hilt held in talons on red enameled background, gold boarder with raised black enameled text "GOLDEN EAGLES, VMM-162", rope edge.
Dimensions
Overall: 3.8 × 0.3cm (1 1/2 × 1/8 in.)
Storage: 8.9 × 8.9 × 3.8cm (3 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 1 1/2 in.)
Materials
Silver
Enamel Paint
Gold Plating
Inventory Number
A20130086000
Credit Line
Donated by Capt. Matthew Dwyer (USMC)
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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