On 15th Jan 1943, the world’s largest single building, the Pentagon, was completed and became the core brain of the US military. It has also turned out to be the focus of the world. Why did the United States want to construct this building then, why did it design to a five-corner? How big is its area? How long is the corridor?
Let’s explore the secrets of this mysterious building, Meanwhile, appreciate 6 challenge coins associated with this unique building.
1. History Background
After the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe on September 1, 1939, the Department of the Army expanded rapidly as it was involved in the conflict. One day in May 1941, Stinson told the US, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, that the Army needed more space.
At the beginning of 1941, Hitler controlled most of the European continent. At the time, US President Roosevelt declared a state of emergency. The rapidly growing US Department of the Army (not yet the Ministry of Defence) urgently needed a new command base.
On July 17, 1941, a congressional opinion hearing was held. Discuss proposals for the construction of a new Army Department office building. Finally, the Department of the Army requested its engineering minister, General Boone Somerville, to propose a design plan, which is the Pentagon construction plan.
2. Custom Pentagon-Shaped Coins
This unique custom pentagon-shaped coin is usually used to the military and civilian members of the Department of Defense. The seal of the Department of Defense is displayed on the obverse, whereas five badges of the five branches of America’s Armed Force are positioning at the five points of the reverse. It made of soft enamel and polished with antique brass finish. The custom antique coins indicate the Department of Defense consists of these five branches.
Let me introduce the following five custom military coins which separately stand for the five Armed Force of the Department of Defense.
3. U.S. Navy Challenge Coins
The US Navy is an important service of the US armed forces and is responsible for managing all matters related to maritime military operations. The US Navy has seven fleets, about 500,000 active and reserve soldiers, 279 active warships and 4,000 aircraft. It is the world’s largest, most equipped, and the most powerful navy in the world.
You will find this is a pretty elegant custom coin. It represents the US Navy and Navy Reserve. It would be a good collection if you are interested in the US Navy.
4. U.S.Army Challenge Coins
The Pentagon has five facades. The building is divided into five floors (including two underground floors). Each floor has five circular corridors from the inside to the outside. The total length of the corridor is 17.5 miles (28.2 kilometers). The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Department of the Army is on the third floor. There is a “Heroes Hall” in the corner of the third-floor corridor, which is designed to commemorate the winner of the “Highest Medal of Honor” since the War of Independence.
This army challenge coins are apparently devised for the Department of the Army. The obverse features a detailed image of the Pentagon set while the seal of the U.S. Army in full color is depicted on the reverse. The appearance of the coins is plated with dye black finish.
5. U.S. Air Force Challenge Coins
I suppose every American can identify this sign easily. Yes, it is the symbol of the U.S. Air force. This US air force challenge coins are processed with oblique line edge and cut out craftsmanship. This simple but prominent design perhaps implies sturdy and outstanding. Do you like this unique challenge coins?
6. U.S. Marine Corps Challenge Coins
The style of this Marine Corps challenge coins is similar to the army challenge coins. The production process is exactly the same. The match of gold and black reveals a style of low profile and luxurious.
7. Joint Chiefs of Staff Challenge Coins
In September 1947, the Ministry of Defense, established by the 33rd President of the United States, Truman, began to work here. Since then, the Pentagon has become the representative of the US Department of Defense. In addition to the Ministry of National Defense, the building also includes a joint meeting of the chiefs of staff and three headquarters of the sea, land and air force.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff, known as the “Soul of the Ministry of National Defense”, is on the second floor. This office building is covered with golden carpets, known as the “Golden Hall”.
The crest and shield of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are engraved on the obverse, while an image of the Pentagon and the badges of each branch of armed services are presented on the reverse. The coin is manufactured of brass alloy brass and plated with antique bronze. It pays tribute to the dedication of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose skillful and determined leadership ensures the military superiority of the United States.
Which coins are you going to pick up if you are a big fan of the U.S. military? Or, you can visit here to know more details.
Picture Source:
1.http://www.acquacollectibles.com/challenge-coins/general-military/joint-chiefs-of-staff-the-pentagon-brass-challenge-coin.html
2.https://www.fortamerica.com/1810-8396/pentagon/challenge-coins_pentagon/army-pentagon-shaped-coin.aspx
3.https://www.emarinepx.com/product/NW-60744.html
4.http://www.acquacollectibles.com/challenge-coins/general-military/joint-chiefs-of-staff-the-pentagon-brass-challenge-coin.html