Phi
Delta Chi Professional Pharmacy Fraternity
Phi Chapter at Creighton University
Alterum Alterius Auxilio Eget
The Challenge Coin:
History of the Challenge Coin
World War I
During WWI, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled newly formed flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges, 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 and 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 medallions, the pilot’s aircraft was severely damaged 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 Germans took all of his personal identification except for his 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 his personal identification.
He succeeded in avoiding German patrols and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed into no-man’s land. Eventually, he stumbled onto a French outpost. Unfortunately, saboteurs had plagued the French in this sector. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot’s American accent, the French thought him a saboteur, and made ready to execute him. Just in time, he remembered his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion and delayed long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of executing him, they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back at his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their “medallions”, or “coins” at all times. This was accomplished through a challenge in the following manner: 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 challenger was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughout the war and for many years after while surviving members were still alive. The fighting men in special operations continue this tradition to this day.
These coins are a moral booster. You are a member of a special organization to which this coin signifies our cohesion. From now on, we carry our credit cards, driver’s licenses, and our coin. Please don’t be caught without it, as it may get expensive!
Official Rules
A “Coin Check” consists of a Challenge and a Response.
- Rules
a. The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and state, scream, shout, or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin check. Another, but less vocal method is to firmly place it on the bar, table, floor (this should produce an audible noise which can be easily heard by those being challenged, but try not to leave a permanent imprint.) If you should accidentally “drop” your coin and it makes an audible sound on impact, then you have just “accidentally” initiated a coin check. (This is called paying the price for improper care of your coin.)
b. The response consists of all those persons being challenged drawing their coin in a like manner (other organizational coins are invalid). You must produce a coin with the Phi Delta Chi LOGO on it!
c. If you are challenged, and are unable to properly respond, you must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and the group being challenged.
d. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all those they have challenged.
e. Failure to buy a round is a despicable, heinous crime that will require you to turn in your Coin to the issuing agency!
- When-Where
a. Coin checks are permitted ANY TIME, ANY PLACE
b. No Exceptions
- Exceptions
a. There are no exceptions to the rules.
b. They apply to those clothed and unclothed
c. At the time of the challenge, you are permitted one step and an arm reach to locate your coin.
d. If you still cannot reach it—SORRY ABOUT THAT!
- A Coin is a Coin
a. Coins attached to the belt buckle are considered “belt buckles”.
b. Coins on key chains are considered “key chains”.
c. Coins placed in a holder/clasp and worn around the neck like necklaces ARE valid and are considered a coin.
- Advice
a. Never be caught with out your Phi Delta Chi coin.
b. I mean never!
To order your coin: http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/phideltachialphagama/coinorderform.html