The ODF Challenge Coin commemorates over 20 years of dedication and service to the citizens of Ohio. The shield flash with the lightning bolt and INFANTRY emblazoned above point to exactly who we are and what we do. Hence, the ODF has always been and will remain a Volunteer Light Infantry Militia. We are an organic unit derived from the unorganized militia at large, akin to a non-governmental organization . We recognize our historical forebears with the Old Minuteman on the left. The Modern Minuteman on the right identifies our own. The back of the coin has the motto "Fate Favors the Bold" which idealizes the power of belief and action culminating together. The 3 diamonds are symbolic of where the ODF came from; The OHMR's 3rd Infantry Brigade. The 1989 date at the bottom of the coin bears reference to the legal inception of the organization. The Ohio Burgee flies in the foreground, with our native state outlined in the back. The small Ohio outline above the larger is where the coins serial numbers were placed.
Desperate to prove his allegiance and without any identification, the pilot pulled out the coin from his leather pouch and showed it to his French captors. One of the Frenchmen recognized the unit insignia on the coin and delayed the execution long enough to confirm the pilot’s identity.
Once the pilot safely returned to his squadron, it became a tradition for all members to carry their coin at all times. To ensure compliance, the pilots would challenge each other to produce the coin. If the challenged couldn’t produce the coin, he was required to buy a drink of choice for the challenger; if the challenged could produce the coin, the challenger would purchase the drink.