Legacy in Flight - Challenge Coin Design that honors historical B-52 flights at Wurtsmith Air Force base.
- Renae
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
At Challenge Design, we don’t just make coins—we tell stories in metal and enamel, celebrating legacies, milestones, and moments that matter. When Wurtsmith Air Force Base approached us to design a coin honoring the first and last B-52 aircraft to grace its runways, we knew we were crafting more than a keepsake. We were capturing history.
The story of Wurtsmith AFB is as grand as the skies its planes soared through, marked by the arrival of its first B-52H in 1961 and the departure of its final B-52G in 1992. These aircraft weren’t just planes; they were the heartbeats of a community, the workhorses of missions, and the vessels of memories for countless service members.
Our challenge? To create a coin that embodied this rich legacy, blending artistry with aviation history. What emerged was a stunning design with every detail chosen to evoke pride and nostalgia.
The First and Last Planes at a Closing Air Force Base
At Challenge Design, we’re all about capturing moments of significance and an retired Air Force base has a unique milestone that tell the story of a base's lifetime. There’s something profoundly bittersweet about the first and last planes touch down on a runway destined for silence. The first plane, full of hope and promise, marked the beginning of a base's chapter, while the last, often shrouded in reflection, signals the end of an era. It's like bookends to decades of service, camaraderie, and aviation history. For those watching, it’s not just an aircraft landing—it’s a flood of memories, from roaring engines and long deployments to quiet nights on the flight line. That final landing is more than a goodbye; it's a salute to the legacy left behind and the stories that will live on long after the gates close.
The Old Crow Express
The first and last planes are bookends to a base's rich history, but sometimes a single aircraft stands out as a legend in its own right. The Old Crow Express a plane that epitomized character, reliability, and the camaraderie of those who served alongside it. Its story reminds us how individual aircraft can leave a lasting mark on history. With its rugged charm and well-earned patina of age, it carried more than cargo; it ferried a sense of pride and camaraderie. Named with a wink to the clever and resilient bird, the Old Crow was as dependable as it was storied, earning respect from every crew member who had the honor to board it. Whether dodging storms or cruising over breathtaking landscapes, the Old Crow Express wasn’t just transportation—it was a flying chapter of aviation history, brimming with character and memories of missions flown, friendships forged, and skies conquered.
Custom Shape
Designing a coin worthy of these stories takes creativity and innovation. That’s why custom shapes play such a vital role in turning designs into storytelling masterpieces.
Custom shapes can take a challenge coin from "impressive" to "unforgettable," enhancing the storytelling and meaning behind its design. Whether shaped like a unit's insignia, a piece of equipment, or even a geographic outline, a unique shape immediately grabs attention and adds a personal touch that standard round designs just can't achieve. A coin that mirrors the silhouette of its subject is like holding a miniature piece of the story it represents. Custom shapes bring the design to life.
Choosing an airplane nose and runway shape for the WAFB B-52 Airplane challenge coin created a striking visual link to the aircraft and its mission. This custom shape accomplished aesthetic appeal AND symbolized the B-52’s power. The airplane nose emphasized the aircraft’s iconic silhouette, while the runway shape grounded the design and gave us space to write. Together, they turned the coin into a bold tribute to the Air Force and added rich layer of meaning. This is a prime example of how custom shapes can elevate a challenge coin into a significant and personalized memento.
WAFB B-52 Air Force Airplane Challenge Coin
Challenge Design was thrilled to create a third challenge coin for the Wurtsmith Air Force Base, celebrating two pivotal moments in the base’s aviation history. This unique silver coin, shaped like the nose of an airplane with a runway at the bottom, honors the legacy of the first B-52H to arrive at Wurtsmith and the last B-52G to depart. The Air Force Base challenge coin design incorporates color-printed imagery, with a light blue plane and a white bottom and tip. The body of the plane features “State of Michigan” alongside the number 001, the SAC Strategic Air Command seal, and the State of Michigan's coat of arms. The engraved runway proudly reads: “First B-52 to arrive, B-52H 60-001, May 9, 1961, Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, Michigan.”
On the reverse side, the dark gray-blue B-52 features the “Old Crow Express” logo and the emblem of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, with the number 6492 on the side. The runway inscription marks the departure of the “Last B-52 to depart, B-52G 58-6492, Dec 15, 1992, Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Oscoda, Michigan.” This thoughtfully designed coin is a tribute to the historic B-52 aircraft and the legacy of Wurtsmith AFB. Its the perfect memento for all who served at this iconic base.
At Challenge Design, we’re endlessly inspired by the power of storytelling through coins. The Wurtsmith Air Force Base’s first and last planes represent much more than aviation milestones; they embody resilience, dedication, and camaraderie. These B-52s weren’t just aircraft—they were the spirit of innovation and service, a legacy that continues to inspire.
We’re honored to have contributed to preserving this history. To the veterans, families, and communities who made Wurtsmith AFB a symbol of excellence, thank you. Your sacrifices and stories echo far beyond the now-quiet runways. May this Air Force Base challenge coin serve as both a tribute and a heartfelt “thank you,” reminding us all to aim higher, push further, and carry your legacy forward. Fly high, Wurtsmith, and thank you for letting us be part of your incredible journey.
This Air Force Base challenge coin joins a legacy of designs we’ve been privileged to create for the Wurtsmith AFB Air Museum. Each design celebrates a unique chapters of the base’s history. We invite you to explore the stories behind these coins and the enduring heritage they represent. Check out our earlier posts for even more tales from the skies!
Capturing History One Challenge Coin At A Time.
Contact us today to start creating your own piece of history.
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