The Gunner's Coin  

This coin was presented to gunners upon graduation from their Air Force technical training and their entry into the "Gunners Association."  In the earlier days of bombers, a bean or a nugget was used.  The coin represents the attributes of strength and courage as reflected in the Bulldog, the gunner's official mascot. The coin was also given to certain "honorary gunners," usually commanders and leaders who portrayed the spirit of the bulldog.

The coin also came with a detailed list of rules:

• Bulldog Coins and Beans are equal and interchangeable. i.e. Having a Coin is like having a Bean and having a Bean is like having a Coin.
• Coin or Bean must carried at ALL times. You can be challenged anywhere, at anytime. You must produce Coin or Bean without taking 3 or 4 steps. (Many coin holders have been caught in the shower without their coin.)
• When challenging, the challenger must state whether or not it is for a single drink, or a round of drinks. (Warning- Coin challenges can become very expensive in a crowd of gunners)
• Under no circumstances can the Coin or Bean be handed to another Gunner. If a Gunner hands is Coin or Bean to another Gunner, that Gunner can keep the coin/bean, it's his. However, if the Gunner places the Coin or Bean down and another Gunner picks it up to examine it, that is not considered "giving" and the Gunner is honor bound to place the Coin or Bean back where he got it. He cannot challenge while he holds the other Gunner's Coin or Bean.
• If a Gunner has never been given a Coin or Bean, he cannot be expected to play the game.
• Rules of the game must be explained to all new Coin/Bean holders.
• Lost Coins or Beans, or failure to produce said Coin or Bean, results in the challenger being bought a drink or round of drinks. This type of transaction could be expensive so hold on to your Coin or Bean. Once the challengee has bought you a drink, you cannot continue to challenge him.
• If a Coin or Bean is lost, replacement cost is up to the individual. A new Coin or Bean should be acquired at the earliest possible date. Losing a Coin or Bean and not replacing it does not relieve the Gunner of his responsibilities. (Usual standard replacement cost is a full keg to be enjoyed by all available Coin or Bean holders, plus the cost of another Coin/Bean.)
• Gunner's Coins or Beans must be controlled at all times -- giving them to just anyone is like opening up the Association to anyone. It is up to the local Association as to who, outside the active members, they want to have the Coin or Bean. It is considered an HONOR to be presented a Coin or Bean. Let's keep it that way.
• No holes will be drilled in the Coin or Bean.
• The above rules pertain and apply to anyone who is worthy to hold the position of Defensive Aerial Gunner, has held the position, or has been selected as an Honorary member of the Association.