Ithaka Hospitality Partners
241 S. College Street
Auburn, AL 36830
334.821.8200
Compass Coins
Rewarding Excellence; Expressing Gratitude
We appreciate you.
History
Although there are many different legends contributing to the origin of military coins, one of the most well-known is that of a World War II pilot, who was handed a token of appreciation – a solid, bronze medallion encrypted with his squadron’s insignia.
The pilot had never owned anything as valuable as this coin, so he placed it in a leather pouch and hung it around his neck for protection.
Shortly thereafter, the pilot’s aircraft was damaged by the enemy during a mission, requiring him to land behind enemy lines. German soldiers captured him and confiscated his personal belongings. However, they missed one item – his leather pouch that contained the treasured coin.
En route to a prisoner of war camp, the Germans and the pilot made an overnight stop in a German-held French village. British troops then bombarded the area, which drew confusion and chaos and allowed for the pilot to escape.
Eventually, he was caught by French soldiers who mistook the American pilot as a German citizen. Because he was stripped of all identification, the pilot was desperate and seeking for some way to prove he was American to his French allies. Once he presented his coin to the Frenchmen, they recognized the Allied American and brought him back to his squadron.
Ithaka Hospitality Partners compass coins are modeled after the challenge coins of the United States armed services.
Excelling at a job or task is something that members of the military continually strive to achieve. Many try their hardest to go the extra mile or give it their all when given a task. When military leaders want to show gratitude or appreciation, they often give coins.
Member of the military take great pride in coins they have earned during their careers, and see them as an honorable reward.
241 S. College Street