U.S. Army Air Force B-24 Liberator Challenge Coin

Description

The workhorse bomber of World War 2, the B-24A was the first production model of this vital aerial weapon. First ordered in 1939, it was delivered to the United States Army Air Forces in 1941. Four B-24A aircraft were ordered to attack on Wake Island in June 6, 1942. Just six days later, on June 12, 1943, thirteen B-24A aircraft flying from Allied airfields in Egypt conducted a bombing raid on the vital Axis oil fields near Ploesti, Romania.

During the succeeding three-year period, the B-24 replaced the B-17 as the standard heavy bomber of the United States Army Air Force, playing a major role every theater of the war. Its distinctive twin tail flew for every branch of the American military and numerous Allied air forces and navies as well. The B-24 played a prominent role for the United States Eighth Air Force in its bomber offensive against Germany, and was known for its long range.

The challenge coin is minted in bronze with an antique finish. Its obverse features the venerable B-24A aircraft, while the reverse features the seal of the United States Army Air Corps, which would later become the United States Air Force.

Each coin measures 1 1/2 inch (39mm) in diameter.