U.S. Army / H-13 Sioux Helicopter - Bronze Challenge Coin

Product Type:  Coin
Size: 1 3/4 inch (44mm) Round
Material: Bronze Antique with Enamel
***Proudly Minted in the U.S.A.***

First flown by the United States Army in 1948, the Bell H-13 Sioux was a three-seat observation and basic training helicopter first used in the Korean War. The Sioux was named after the renowned Native American tribe, establishing a tradition of naming US Army rotary-wing aircraft that continues to this day. The H-13 Sioux quickly earned the soldier’s respect during the Korean War by scouting for enemy troop movements and rescuing the wounded from the field, carrying them swiftly to the nearest medical unit.

The helicopter was responsible for evacuating more than 18,000 injured soldiers over the course of the Korean War. H-13s became so valuable in the Korean War, they were nicknamed "Angels of Mercy.” In fact, one source credits a single H-13 pilot with moving more than 900 personnel through 545 sorties in a term lasting a mere 14 months. The H-13 proved its value in MEDEVAC service, reconnaissance, wire-laying, mission liaison, general service, and even pilot training roles. The MEDEVAC service alone was crucial to military operations across the Peninsula. The spartan helicopter could carry two injured over the challenging Korean terrain faster than any vehicle. Known to millions for its iconic role in the long-running television series M*A*S*H, the Bell H-13 Sioux was manufactured in 20 different configurations, and was flown by more than 40 different countries.

Minted in the USA from solid bronze using special deep-relief coining dies, and hand-finished with an antique patina for exceptional quality and detail, this coin displays the H-13 Sioux helicopter in incredible detail. The obverse of the coin shows an H-13 in midflight patient evacuation, with profiles of the helicopter in the background and a special clear epoxy dome covering the chopper's cockpit. The reverse displays the emblem of the United States Army.

Official Licensed Product of the U.S. Army.  By federal law, licensing fees paid to the U.S. Army for use of its trademarks provide support to the Army Trademark Licensing Program, and net licensing revenue is devoted to U.S. Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs.