B-52 Stratofortress Challenge Coin

At the height of the Cold War, the B-52 Strat fortress and the personnel who flew, maintained, and supported it were a primary American weapon against the threat of Soviet nuclear aggression and the backbone of the Strategic Air Command. Today, its five-man crew (aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer) remain essential to Americas ability to fight war in the air. The B-52 first entered service in 1955 as a long-range nuclear-capable bomber for the US Air Force. Built by the Boeing Company, the B-52 was a technological marvel, which included swept wings and eight jet engines, enabling a range of 8,800 miles and a top speed of 650 mph. With two large bomb bays and a capacity of 70,000 lbs. , its intended delivery mission was the carrying of nuclear weapons, but has also proven to be outstanding in dropping conventional weapons. From Vietnam to Afghanistan the B-52 has established itself as the most durable bomber of the US Air Force. In 1996, as part of Operation Desert Strike, two B-52s flew a 34-hour, 16,000-mile round trip mission to deliver 13 AGM-86C conventional air launched cruise missiles at Baghdad power stations and communication facilities. The B-52H is assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB (ND) and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB (LA) and function under Air Force Global Strike Command, whose mission is to provide combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations. Air Force Reserve Command also has the B-52 at its 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB.

• 1 3/4 inch (44mm) Round
• Bronze Antique with Enamel