Accession Number: C.2019.5.1
Dimensions: 2 in diameter
Dimensions (Metric): 5.08 cm diameter
Credit Line: Collection 9/11 Memorial Museum
Description
Commemorative USS Cole challenge coin. The front of the coin depicts the emblem for the USS Cole with the ship's crest and shield. "USS COLE | DDG 67" is printed in raised text around the emblem. On the reverse side, raised text is printed around the edge: "IN MEMORY OF THE SAILORS WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE ON October 12, 2000." In the middle is raised text listing the names and ranks of the 17 victims of the October 12, 2000, terrorist attack.
Historical Notes
On October 12, 2000, al-Qaeda suicide bombers turned a fishing boat into a bomb, filling it with explosives. They detonated it next to the American naval destroyer USS Cole as the vessel refueled in Aden, Yemen. Seventeen American sailors were killed and more than 40 were injured.