Recognition Coins

These are just a few of the more than 100 Recognition Coins Rorion Gracie has been awarded for his excellence and valuable service to the US military and government agencies throughout the world.

What is a Recognition Coin?

Read the summary below.

The "Hooah" Coin Recognizes Excellence

by Lou Benevides (Summarized)
Command Sergeant Major
United States Army Garrison

The "Commander's Coin." Some have also referred to it as the "Challenge Coin" or "Recognition Coin." You may have heard it called an award medallion or coin. This coin, larger than our dollar coin, has been a symbol among our military, both U.S. and foreign, for over 100 years and is considered priceless to those who receive it for selfless or dedicated service. So what is the meaning of this coin, and why is it so important and part of our military culture?

To share with you the different stories as to how the coin earned its reputation as a symbol of military recognition is to give you a sense of value of just what this honored recognition to people really means, its true worth and importance.

Back in 1899, the British were engaged in the Boer War with the colony of South Africa in a war of independence. During this period, the British army's enlisted ranks were predominantly made up of "contract soldiers", what we nowadays call Soldiers of Fortune. Because these contract soldiers' allegiance to Britain was financial, they could not receive military awards or recognition in any form, regardless of performance with distinction on the battlefield. In most cases, the officer in charge of the contract soldiers would "earn" the medal instead, whether they were directly involved in the action or not. The thought was that it was the officer's job to inspire such acts. However, Regimental Sergeants Major (RSM) who were all army careerists would not accept the practice of not rewarding soldiers for distinct actions or service. The RSMs would obtain a 'donated' sixpence and would call the regiment to muster. Before their peers, the RSM would give a "firm, steady, and handsome handshake" to the soldier, while palming the coin. In this manner, the coin would make its pass with little or no visual sight and would deter any thought that the soldier was receiving a "bonus" for his actions.

As the United States went on to WWII, American forces adopted the use of coin recognition. Medals and awards were given to all military ranks and extended the honor to our allies. The coins became a collective recognition instead of the previous individual reward. The coin was usually struck with the unit crest, and the senior noncommissioned officers (NCOs) were the primary presenters, along with presenting battle streamers to units.

Today, the coin is more than a souvenir and has maintained its value over 100 years, informally recognizing one's success or professionalism. It is still presented, in most cases, in a similar fashion involving the palmed coin and a handshake.

Just as those RSMs shook the hand of a British soldier for his actions, the coin today represents the symbols of our core values: Honor, Respect, Duty, Integrity, Selfless Service, Excellence, Loyalty, and Courage. These are referred to as our conditions of employment.