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Custom Challenge Coin of the Month – December 2017

2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, Battery C

This unique “spinner” coin was custom-made for 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, Battery C. We have specially crafted this coin in a round-cornered rectangle shape that allows the bright red two-pointed flag section to move freely, perhaps evoking the way that artillery operators back in the good old days would have to frequently check the wind and readjust their aim. The red flag-shaped center field contains crossed cannons in gold, with 142 for the Brigade, 2 for the Battalion, and the letter C indicating the Battery. On the border, various deployments and awards are recognized and highlighted. This particular spinner coin was award for this unit’s exemplary service.

A Little About the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade

The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade started life as a Arkansas State Guard “encampment” organized during the winter of 1892. The campaign to raise up volunteers to serve in the Arkansas State Guard was so successful that in 1893, a plan was drawn up to divide the brigade into two. The 1st and 2nd Battalions were separated East and West depending on the residence of the soldiers. Shortly thereafter, the 142nd Field Artillery was part of “The Mexican Expedition.” The Mexican Expedition was launched in response to the Pancho Villa’s attacks on American holdings in the south. Though the 142nd failed to engage any of Villa’s troops, the mission still presented a valuable opportunity for the Brigade to solidify and bond.

Major Action

The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade was slated to see its first overseas action during World War I. Plans were made to ship the Brigade to France, but luckily for everyone involved, the war was over before they were deployed. Some of the boys received a nice boat ride, but that was about the extent of it. Real combat wouldn’t come until World War two, where the Brigade was reorganized into the 937th Field Artillery Battalion. There, they engaged at Naples in November 1943 and assisted with the liberation of Rome.

Korean Conflict

The 142nd served near Uijongbu, Korea for the extent of operations, firing nearly 250,000 rounds over the course of about 3 years.

Operation Desert Storm and the War on Terror

The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade didn’t see combat action again until 1990 when it was called upon to offer support during Operation Desert Storm. It was the only National Guard unit that was utilized in this capacity. During the Iraq deployment, the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade was attached to VII Corp. This deployment ended in 1991. Ten years later, in 2001, the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade was called back to the desert where it has continued to be deployed on and off until this day.

Custom Coins for Your Armed Forced Unit

At Unit Coins, our mission is creating custom coins for your armed forces unit that will carry memories to last a lifetime. Call us today and we can discuss how to create your custom military coin.

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