Description
This challenge coin is dedicated to those on the palm-garnished Fort Shafter base, home of the U.S. Army Pacific Command and 25th Infantry Division. Tucked along the seam of the basaltic Waianae Range, Fort Shafter hosts brave men and women who work and fight to keep freedom reigning across our shores.
Established more than 100 years ago, Fort Shafter stands as the oldest base on Oahu. The base partially resides in the Palm Circle Historic District originally built in 1908 for infantry battalion. The area gets its name from the way the battalion’s offices and barracks were constructed around a parade of Royal Palms.
During World War Two Fort Shafter quickly became a strategic nerve center after the Pearl Harbor Bombing. In 1944, the Army swiftly built a command center – in 49 days – to fuel further U.S. military potency. Lieutenant Robert C. Richardson’s headquarters within the command center affectionately became known as the Pineapple Pentagon – now officially named Richardson Hall. After WWII, the forces at Fort Shafter went on to rain ferocity upon the enemy in the Korean War and Viet Nam.
Fast forward to the 21st century where Fort Shafter continues to host thousands of brave men and women – civilian and military – who work and battle to propagate peace in the Pacific. Stationed on the breath-taking island of Oahu, they stand poised and prepared to trek out across the shores of Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to promote cooperation and regional stability. When necessary, they strike to win against crisis and aggression. Units within the U.S. Army Command and 25th infantry have also gone beyond their Pacific jurisdiction to conquer enemies in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Minted in antique bronze and highlighted with bold enamel, this photo challenge coin honors the men and women of historic Fort Shafter. The obverse offers a 3D UV-Print rendition of the palm-flanked Richardson Hall, a.k.a. “Pineapple Pentagon.” Rich ebony with the fort’s name, location, and its nickname “PINEAPPLE PENTAGON” encircle the photo. The reverse features the U.S. Army ethos with a space for engraving.
Each coin measures 1 3/4 inch (44mm) in diameter.
