USS Donald Cook DDG-75

USS Donald Cook DDG-75

This superbly-minted challenge coin is created with as much precision and skill as the guided-missile destroyer to which it’s dedicated, the USS Donald Cook (DDG-75).

Built to survive, the unassailable ship bears the name of a courageous Marine Corps Vietnam Prisoner of War, Donald Cook. While imprisoned by the Viet Cong, the hero selflessly shared his own precious food, water, and medicines with his fellow captives before falling victim to malaria in 1967. He is the only Marine to earn a Medal of Honor while a POW.

As an Arleigh Burke-class ship - the most powerful class of surface combatants to stalk the seas - the USS Donald Cook employs highly-advanced naval weapons and underwater surveillance systems to attack and elude enemies on the sea, under it, and above it. From long-range anti-ship, anti-aircraft, anti-submarine armament to short-range weaponry, she is prepared to exact lethality on adversaries near and far. While embodying the noble determination of her namesake, her crew defends liberty at all costs. The crew is renowned for their ability to speak about the ship’s namesake, his courage, and his leadership. A plaque aboard ship bears his advice to his children: ““Do what is right and just, no matter what the personal cost,” which the crew rubs for good luck.

Minted in the USA from special deep relief coining dies, struck from solid bronze, and hand-finished with an antique patina for exceptional quality and detail, this challenge coin pays tribute to the USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) and her intrepid crew . The obverse depicts an impressively detailed image of the ship, along with the crew’s motto “faith without fear.” The reverse bears the ship’s official seal highlighted by brilliant blue and red enamel.