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Up for sale is an incredibly rare, historically significant military challenge coin and medal grouping from the legendary, now-inactivated 57th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) "The Original Dustoff".This coin was earned directly in-theater during a 13-month deployment in Iraq (2003–2004) in support of the 44th Medical Command, durinh OEF/OIF.
The Centerpiece Coin:Front: Features the portrait of MAJ Charles Kelly with his historic final words, "When I have your wounded," dated July 1964.Back: Vibrant red cross enamel reading "57th Med Co Air Amb - The Original Dustoff" detailing historical service eras.Rarity: Since the unit was disbanded in 2007, authentic combat-won coins from this deployment window are virtually non-existent on the secondary market. Its litterally the only one on .
Included in this Shadow Box Collection:US Army Achievement Medals (Anodized finish with oak leaf clusters)Global War on Terrorism Service MedalArmy Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service MedalExpert Rifle Marksmanship BadgeOriginal 4th Infantry Division and Airborne Shoulder Patches U.S. ARMY uniform branch tape and full-size ribbon rack
Please Note: The vintage deployment photos are displayed strictly as provenance to verify the theater authenticity of this coin and are NOT included in the physical sale.
UNIT HISTORY & PROVENANCE: WHY THIS COIN IS A MUSEUM-TIER GRAIL
In the military challenge coin market, there is a massive divide between "Base Command" coins and "Combat-Presentation" grails.
Most military medical coins available online are mass-produced by the thousands for administrative stateside bases or training commands (such as hospital staff, research commands, or training centers). They are easily obtained by anyone walking through a base exchange or visitor center.
This coin is entirely different. It represents elite combat aviation history, as well as Medical Service.
The Legacy of the 57th Medical Company (Air Ambulance)The 57th Medical Company is a legendary, highly decorated unit born out of the blood and grit of the Vietnam War. They are the "Original Dustoff"—the pioneers of tactical battlefield helicopter evacuation under fire. Operating under the immortal creed of Major Charles Kelly ("When I have your wounded"), this unit set the gold standard for combat medevac operations.
2. The Operational Rarity
(Inactivated in 2007)Because the 57th Medical Company was formally inactivated and disbanded in 2007, items associated with it are fixed in time. No more of these coins will ever be minted, distributed, or awarded. They cannot be ordered from a unit supply clerk or bought at a base gift shop.
3. True Theater Provenance (OIF 03-04 Deployment)This specific piece is a genuine, theater-earned grouping originating from a 13-month deployment to Iraq during the intense initial phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom/ OEF (2003–2004) under the 44th Medical Command. To receive a coin from this unit during this high-tempo operational window required specific unit integration, official deployment orders, and direct involvement with frontline aviation medevac operations.
99% of these pieces are permanently locked away in the private shadow boxes of veterans who will never part with them. This listing represents a rare, documented crossover where a true combat-won artifact from "The Original Dustoff" is entering the open market.
Again Thanks for you fpr your interest, and one last reminder everything is included but the vintage photos
