Army 8th Infantry 509th Airborne Mainz Germany Crazy 8 Challenge Coin + Patch

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Army 8th Infantry 509th Airborne Mainz Germany Crazy 8 Challenge Coin + Patch:
$124.99

This is an interesting and very rare coin, not entirely sure its a \'challenge coin\' specifically, but it was certainly made pre-1973. The coin is in good condition, but does show signs of wear, Please view images. The front shows jump master wings and the back reads \"1st BDE (ABN/MECH) 8th INF DIV MZ CONSENHEIM HOME OF THE AIRBORNE\". The authentic patch is also in good vintage condition, but it appears to have been taken from the shoulder of a uniform so does show wear.The Coin measures 2 3/4 inches wide and 2 3/4 inches tall.
The Patch Measures 2 3/8 inches wide and 2 3/4 inches tall.
The 8th Infantry Division was never an Airborne Division. From 1958 through 1973 there was an airborne component to the division. Only those soldiers serving in the airborne component were allowed to wear the “airborne” tab above the division shoulder patch. In April 1963 the Division was reorganized and the Airborne component was changed to 1-509th PIR and 2-509th at Lee Barracks in Mainz-Gonsenheim, Germany.In 1973 the 8th Division lost its airborne capability and continued on as a standard mechanized division until it was inactivated in 1992.
This will ship with Signature Confirmation