4th Tank Battalion Retirement Challenge Coin

$18.95

In stock

Description

Showcase your 4th Tank Battalion pride with this quality cutout challenge coin. It features the tank battalion’s insignia on one side which features a Marine Corps EGA, the 4th Marine Division insignia, and an Abrams tank. The backside of this coin shows the insignias of the subordinate units like Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, and Fox Companies.

US Marine Corps 4th Tank Batallion Challenge Coin Features

  • 4th Tank Battalion Retirement Challenge Coin
  • Bronze alloy.
  • Measures 2 inches
  • Individually packaged
  • Licensed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Fast Delivery!

USMC 4th Tank Battalion

The 4th Tank Battalion is part of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that was affiliated with the 4th Marine Division. With headquarters in San Diego, California, its units were spread across the U.S. The battalion was the largest of its kind before the Marine Corps divested its armor capability. It played critical roles in World War II, the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Notably, it participated in key operations like the Inchon landings and the Reveille Engagement. The battalion’s coat of arms symbolizes its rich history, with its motto, “53 Days,” reflecting its rapid deployment during the Korean War.

Marine Corps Challenge Coins 

Marine Corps challenge coins are deeply rooted in military tradition. They symbolize honor, camaraderie, and individual accomplishments in the USMC. 

Military challenge coins trace their roots back to ancient Rome, where custom coins rewarded exceptional feats. They later evolved into “portrait medals” during the Renaissance. 

In the early US military, challenge coins were exclusive to high-ranking officers recognizing exceptional achievements. Notably, in World War I, a pilot’s coin saved his life by proving his identity. Some argue that modern challenge coin traditions, including in the Marine Corps, originated during the Vietnam War for bar entry. 

Today, these coins signify specific achievements or service excellence and carry sentimental value, serving as tokens of significant moments in a Marine’s journey.

Marine Coin Check, Traditions, and Rules

A coin check is a spontaneous challenge where members must promptly display their coins.

Rules for coin checks are informal, allowing challenges to occur anywhere, anytime, by displaying the coin and shouting “coin check!” Accidentally dropping a coin counts as a deliberate challenge. Responding within ten seconds by presenting a unit’s coin is essential.

Consequences add a playful element: failure to produce a coin results in buying drinks for the challenger and others. Conversely, a successful challenge requires the challenger to buy a round for the group.

The tradition also includes coin theft, with successful thieves earning a drink. Coins are typically carried for easy access, with a widely accepted rule of “a step and a reach.” Presentation often occurs subtly during handshakes, with modifications like drilling holes or attaching them to belt buckles invalidating their challenge status.

Additional information

Weight 0.5 lbs
Dimensions 3 × 3 × .25 in

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