Vietnam 1967 - 1972 get the bloody job done: 135th Assault Helicopter Company : EMU / USA RAN
Date2005
Object number00039376
NameMedallion
MediumMetal, enamel.
DimensionsOverall: 2 x 50 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Andy Curran
DescriptionA commemorative 'challenge coin' for the 135th Assault Helicopter Company unit, or EMU. The coin features the unit's crest and motto, 'Get the Bloody Job Done'.
"The 135th Assault Helicopter Company's badge was designed by unit personnel and comprised the extended eagle wings to represent United States Army Aviation and the anchor to signify its Royal Australian Navy component .The Olympic laurel represents unity and the striving for perfection. As the only joint American - Australian Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam the 135th was officially designated an Experimental Military Unit - EMU for short. Significantly, the Emu is a large Australian bird and a well - known symbol of that country. Subsequently,
The 135th's call sign became 'Emu'. The words 'Get the bloody job done' were quoted in a congratulatory signal sent by the commander of ground troops after an action near Chi Lang and subsequently were adopted as the 135th's motto."
- Steve Eather. "Get the bloody job done", Allen and Unwin, 1998.HistoryPopular with American armed forces, these coins are designed according to units of military service. The term challenge comes from the rules imposed -a challenger will show his coin. If the person challenged produces his / her own coin within 60 seconds, the challenger buys the drinks (alcoholic or otherwise). If not, then the person challenged must buy the drinks. Each unit with this system of challenge coins will have similar rules - although some collect money for charity rather than drinks.
The origin of challenge coins is obscure with stories relating from World War I onwards. The Vietnam War era seems to have spawned a wider acceptance of the system. The use of challenge coins is not restricted to the military. If one accepts the rules o f the challenge coin system they must carry the coin at all times toa void being caught out and having to pay the penalty.
The coins are also known as unit coins, memorial coins, military coins or commander's coin.
In October 1967 the Australian Government dispatched 723 Squadron from the Royal Australian Naval Fleet Air Arm to Vietnam to join with the American 135th Assault Helicopter Company. They were renamed EMU - Experimental Military Unit. The Unit supported troops on the ground with fire power and landedand retrieved troops from active areas. They also retrieved the wounded and killed. The pride and dedication in their job led to their own motto - Get the Bloody Job Done - not always recognised officially.
The Unit fought with distinction and many awards were forth coming - Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Member of the order of the British Empire, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, British Empire Medal. They also suffered a much higher casualty rate than any other aviation unit.
The RAN segment of the Unit was deactivated in June 1971. The rest of the Unit continued until January 1972.SignificanceThis coin represents the affiliation, support or patronage to the unit minted on the coin, the EMU.The challenge coin is a treasured and respected representation of a "small group of Australian sailors who served with distinction in a very difficult and unpopular war. They were the hardest - fought Australian aviation unit to serve in the Vietnam War and suffered a much higher casualty rate than the RAAF or Australian Army aviation units".
