United States Armed forces coins

This Memorial weekend will be unlike any other in the recent past. With the threat of a pandemic looming over us and the usual trips to beaches curtailed, it would be probably more of a backyard barbecue. But the sentiment behind the holiday remains, more so because of the state of siege we are in. This post is in honor of the exceptional men and women of the Armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation.

The United States Armed forces

Being in the United States Armed forces, where you maintain the highest levels of fitness; physical and mental, is the greatest honor for most Americans.

The United States Armed forces is made up of 6 military branches- Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and, recently the Space Force. The creation of the first American army, the Continental army in 1775 was before the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Navy and Continental Marines were created soon after to defend the new nation from the British forces. These forces were disbanded after the end of the Revolutionary war during the Treaty of Paris.

The current United States Army dates to 1784. The United States navy and the Marine corps were created later in 1794 and 1798, respectively. The Coast guard came much later in 1915 and the Air Force in 1947. The most recent inclusion is the Space Force in 2019.

To honor the men in uniform the United States mint has released many coins and medals. Let's look at some of them.

United States Army

The largest and oldest land warfare branch of the Armed forces, the United States army has been involved in big wars, small conflicts, peacekeeping and security duties over the last 236 years it has been in existence.

Nisei Soldiers of World War 2 medal

The Nisei soldiers, second generation Americans of Japanese ancestry, who fought alongside other Americans in World War 2 suffered discrimination at home and abroad. This medal honors their sacrifice for the nation. The obverse, features Nisei soldiers from both the European and Pacific theaters. The reverse depicts the insignias of the 100th INF BN, 442nd RCT and MIS. The 100th INF BN insignia features a taro leaf and a traditional Hawaiian helmet, both of which are emblematic of the unit's Hawaiian roots.

United States army Bicentennial coin

The obverse design compares a soldier of the 1770's and one from the modern army. The reverse design consists of the interior portion of the Department of the Army plaque design, based on the Department of the Army seal that has been used continuously since the 1770’s. The designs commemorate the bicentennial of the Army, established June 14, 1775.

United States Navy

The United States Navy is the naval warfare branch of the Armed forces that is deployed around the world to help in times of crisis and peacetime equally.

U.S. Navy Bicentennial Bronze Medal 3 Inch

The obverse and reverse designs commemorate the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1975. The obverse depicts the sloop Alfred, flagship of the First American Fleet, which served in the Continental Navy from 1775 to 1778, with the symbolic American eagle alight upon the anchor and the stars and stripes. The reverse shows the modern nuclear Navy with its air, surface and submarine configuration, emanating from the nucleus of the atom.

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Bronze Medal 3 Inch

The medal honors the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders for their extraordinary service during World War II. The obverse design shows the North American B–25B Mitchell launching off the USS Hornet (CV–8), 16 stars representing the 16 flight crews that made up the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. The reverse design features B–25B Mitchell aircraft approaching their target with four patches representing the four squadrons (34th, 37th, 89th, and 95th) that make up the 17th Bombardment Group.

United States Marine corps

The United States Marine corps is a unique amphibious force that is capable of rapid deployment anywhere in the world where there is a crisis.

Montford Point Marines Bronze Medal 3 Inch

The obverse features three Montford Point Marines in varying uniforms with an action scene from training filling the lower portion of the palette. The reverse depicts Montford Point Marines in formation during training, with the signature water tower, a notable feature to all Montford Point Marines, in the background.

U.S. Marine Corps Bicentennial Bronze Medal 3 Inch

The obverse depicts the first major action of the Continental Marines, the landing at New Providence in the Bahamas on March 3, 1776. The design shows the Marines of the landing force occupying Fort Montagu following the landing. The reverse depicts the role of the modern Marine in action, maintaining the tradition of readiness, esprit de corps and loyalty.

United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard protects the domestic waterways. It does rescues, law enforcement, drug prevention, and clears waterways.

U.S. Coast Guard Bicentennial Bronze Medal 3 Inch

The obverse of the medal features the inspiring painting "To the Rescue" by Anton Otto Fischer, depicting a 19th-century Coast Guard rescue boat battling stormy seas to aid a disabled vessel. Lieutenant Commander Fischer painted it while on active duty in the Coast Guard Reserve. On the reverse is the official Coast Guard seal.

United States Air Force

The United States Air Force, the second youngest Armed forces of United States (the youngest being the Space Force) provides air support for land and naval forces and aids in the recovery of troops in the field.

Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) Bronze Medal 3 Inch

The obverse depicts the portrait of a WASP with three pilots in the foreground in period uniforms walking toward their aircraft at Avenger Field. The background features an airborne AT-6 breaking through the inner rim of the medal. The reverse design features the three aircraft that the WASP flew during their training at Avenger Field, the AT-6, indicated by the number 264; the B-26 (Martin Marauder), indicated by the number 967; and the P-51.

American Fighter Aces Bronze Medal 3 Inch

The obverse design features four pilots, representing World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War; an ace of spades; and military wings with a globe centered, symbolizing the global impact of the group’s service. The reverse design features four aircraft used by American Fighter Aces and includes five stars to represent the minimum number of aerial combat victories required for certification.