
Signs of Our Time
Have you ever stopped to read a historical marker as you traveled across the US? Perhaps you’ve wondered if there was more to the story.
This podcast seeks to reveal the story behind the story from America's roadside historical markers. We explore the facts and sometimes quirky and unusual background information making our heritage even more fascinating.
Let me know if you have an unusual historical marker we can explore. americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com
Signs of Our Time
Episode 9 - Historical Marker In My Pocket
We often find heros of our nation on historical markers. Many are well known figures from our nation's past. But sometimes there are some who many may not know about. That's part of the value and excitement of a historical marker.
In this episode I want to look at another kind of historical marker many may not know of. It’s one that can even be carried in your pocket. I invite you to listen to the story behind the story of a patriot and hero on such a historical marker and his notable contribution to our great nation.
I invite you to share this podcast with others. If you have interesting stories about historical markers you've discovered, or perhaps are in your area, please email me at: americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com.
I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription.
Safe Travels!
Hello Friends,
I’m your host Dave Laton and welcome to Signs of Our Time, Discovering America’s heritage, one sign at a time.
This podcast is designed to provide the story behind the story found on America’s roadside historical signs and markers.
When we think of historical markers we usually think of the road side signs we see all along our highways and byways. But I want to encourage you to look in other places as well.
In today’s episode I want to do just that. I want to review the story behind the story of a different kind of historical marker. It’s one you can carry in your pocket.
In the military we have a tradition of challenge coins. A military challenge coin is primarily given by military members to other military members to represent shared experiences and dedication to service. Some are given in response to honors given by one member to another. One of the special elements of giving a challenge coin is it is usually given on the spot. It is considered a token of respect and appreciation.
The history of challenge coins or similar coins goes all the way back to Ancient Rome. Historians suggest that Roman soldiers were awarded special coins with the name of their unit as a recognition for valor in battle. These were kept as a reminder of honor and faithfulness in their service.
What is depicted on the coin varies by the purpose given and individual offering it. The coin is usually made from brass or other such metal and has on it a depiction of the giver’s organization or identification such as name, rank, and service. It often shows distinct military unit designations such as their organizational emblem.
I have had the honor of receiving several challenge coins over my military career. But recently I was given a coin that moved quickly to the top of my list of honors.
While visiting Marshall, Texas my wife and I were eating at one of our favorite restaurants. I noticed an elderly couple enjoying a meal together. When I see older couples that I assume are married I like to ask them how long they’ve been married. I love to hear their story of longevity. In this instance, when I asked the elderly gentleman how long they had been married, he quickly replied, 73 years. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he said that he was his wife’s second marriage. Of course, I responded with surprise. He then stated that her first husband, a friend of his, had died in the Korean War. When he returned home, he married the widow and they’ve been together since.
We visited for several more minutes. He was wearing a baseball cap with Army stenciled on the front along with a pin showing membership in Army Airborne. In our conversation I found out he retired from the Army. We shared appreciation for each other at another level since I retired from the Air Force. As we were about to depart, he reached in his pocket and said, “Here, I have something for you.” Up to that moment, I did not realize who specifically I was talking with. Then he produced a military challenge coin with his name and rank along with the major commands he had been a member of. As I looked at the coin, I realized I was speaking with Major General (retired) Vernon B. Lewis.
General Lewis is the real thing. A true American patriot and hero. Here’s a summary of his service.
General Lewis was born in Marshall, Texas in 1930. He fought in two wars, becoming the most decorated veteran from Harrison County, Texas. His military service began when he enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. His first assignment was at Fort Hood, Texas with an artillery battalion. During that time, he quickly rose to the rank of sergeant. He was then notified that he was accepted as a candidate for officer training.
After completing Officer training, he was assigned as an artillery officer in the Korea war. Later he served two tours in Vietnam. During that time, he survived 1,100 days in combat, including surviving two helicopter shootdowns. From there he had several assignments as commander and staff officer at different organizations and various levels. While serving at Fort Bragg in the early 70’s he was promoted to Brigadier General. Then in 1974 he was promoted to Major General and assigned to the Pentagon in the office of the deputy chief of staff for operations and plans.
General Lewis retired after 29 years of service. Although I’ve skimmed over the highlights of his career, the medals and other awards he received show his dedication to our great nation and the freedoms we cherish. Here are his major decorations and awards.
The Silver Star (W/ OLC)…By the way, an oak leaf cluster shows additional awards of the same honor. He was awarded the Legion of Merit (W/ OLC), Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal. He was awarded the Air Medal (W/10 OLCs), Army Commendation Medal (W/V Device and OLC…the V device signifies serving with valor in combat). He was also awarded the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross (W/Palm, Gold & Silver Stars). He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and Master Parachutist Badge.
It must be stated that these awards are not given, they are earned. Sometimes they are earned at the cost of personal safety, but certainly at a level of sacrifice and dedication.
I am honored to have met General Lewis. I am deeply honored that he personally awarded me his coin. I will cherish it.
One last thing, as we were leaving, I overheard him say to his wife, “I enjoyed that.”
Thank you, General Lewis, for your dedication to our nation. It is an honor to have met you and your lovely bride of 73 years.
Well friends, there you have it. A story behind the story from America’s historical signs and markers. I hope you enjoyed this episode. I invite you to subscribe and continue listening as we bring more episodes about the rich heritage of our great nation.
Please share this podcast with others. If you have interesting stories about historical signs and markers, email me at: americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com. Maybe your story behind the story will be featured.
I’m your host Dave Laton and thank you for listening, and safe travels!