During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed

flying squadrons. Some were wealthy scions attending colleges such as Yale and Harvard who quit

in midterm to join the war. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in

solid bronze carrying the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. He himself carried

his medallion in a small leather sack about his neck.

Shortly after acquiring the medallions, this pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire.

He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German Patrol. In

order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the

small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near

the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night he donned civilian clothes and escaped.

However, he was without personal identification.

He succeeded in avoiding German patrols and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he

crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled into a French outpost. Unfortunately, the French

in this sector of the front had been plagued by saboteurs. They sometimes masqueraded as

civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French

thought him to be a saboteur and made ready to execute him. Just in time, he remembered his

leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners.

His French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion and delayed long enough

for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine.

Back with his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion

or coin at all times. This was accomplished through a challenge in the following manner, a

challenger would ask to see the coin, If the challenger could not produce his coin, he was required

to purchase a drink of choice for the member who had challenged him. If the challenged member

produced his coin, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition

continued throughout the war and for many years after while surviving members of the squadron

When you accept this AMMO coin you agree to abide by the rules set forth below. You will be henceforth referred to as an AMMO troop regardless of your background

You will have your AMMO coin on your immediate person whenever in a group of AMMO troops. Definition : Group: one or more

If you are ever asked to produce your coin and you cannot you will buy a round of cheers for all AMMO troop present. If more than one AMMO troop is unable to produce a coin, each violator will buy a round, it will not be shared.

To challenge a fellow AMMO troop simply display your coin and state "coin check". If all present have their coins as required you must buy a courtesy round to show your appreciation for their compliance.

Never deface or abuse your coin or face the same penalty as imposed in rule 3 and 4 above.

Any rules interruptions/ confusion will be settled by any available AMMO Chief.