Custom Challenge Coin of the Month- December 2018
VMFA 251 Thunderbolts
October’s custom challenge coins were presented to the VMFA 251 Thunderbolts. The Thunderbolts are a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron that was first formed in 1941 during World War II. At that time they were known as the Marine Observation Squadron 251 or VMO-251. Over the years their purpose changed and their name title along with it. The soldiers of this squadron have served vital roles in not only World War II but in every war since. The Thunderbolts or Death From Above were finally decommissioned in 2012 after decades of service that went above expectation. This squadron started their service flying Wildcats and as the decades passed ended flying Thunderbolts. The Thunderbolts successfully served for over 71 years and saved countless lives through the effective completion of numerous missions.
More recently The VMFA-251 Thunderbolts served on the USS Enterprise from 2007 to 2012. These brave pilots flew missions in both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Sea Dragon, serving as a protective presence in the Persian Gulf near key shipping routes. The Thunderbolts flew valuable missions in Afghanistan during 2007 and 2008 that not only protected ground troops but aided in the take down key enemy strongholds. The position of the battleship the USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf cut down on fly time and allowed for more expedient response to enemy threats. The Thunderbolts put in countless fly time to ensure the safety of their brothers on the ground and were dedicated to the success of every mission presented to them.
The
brave pilots of the Thunderbolt Squadron while in service on the aircraft carrier the USS Enterprise were presented with these custom military coins in acknowledgement of their admirable service. Only the best would do for the Thunderbolts and Unit Coins delivered just that. The exceptional quality of these military challenge coins is made clearly apparent in the 3D detailing on both sides. These military coins have a unique feature as the center is able to spin around. Attached at two points to the outside edges the centers of these custom challenge coins are able to rotate and 3D detailing and color are present on both sides. The edging is beautifully portrayed in both gold and silver plating that compliments the coloring. With diamond cut edges on two sides these custom military coins are a clear display of fine craftsmanship by the custom coins maker, Unit Coins.
Custom Military Challenge Coins
The service of these pilots was invaluable to the United States over the decades they operated. Their success not only saved troop lives but civilians as well by defeating those who opposed the United States. The bravery and dedication of the Thunderbolts is unquestionable and every pilot presented with these military challenge coins more than deserved them. The tradition of these custom challenge coins may seem a small gesture to the average civilian but the meaning goes deep. Those who receive these custom military coins recognize the honor they have been given. Custom military coins are not simply given but earned with service above reproach. The Thunderbolts of the USS Enterprise protected us with their invaluable service and the challenge coin maker Unit Coins has honored them by ensuring that their military challenge coins that represent their success will last for decades to come.