C004817

Round shaped coin with a ribbon banner over, antique pewter in color, 2 inches high x 2 inches wide.

SIDE 1 - A pathfinder insignia on a gray disc with a black ribbon banner above with a border and the words, "82D," PATHFINDER," and "ABN," both pewter-colored.

SIDE 2 - A gray disc with crossed rifles, with above, a 5-pointed star surrounded by a wreath, all pewter colored, surmounted by pewter paratrooper wings and further surmounted by the 82nd Airborne Division insignia with both airborne and ranger tabs above; Captain's insignia of rank to the left, First Sergeant's insignia of rank to the right, the words, "82D ABN DIV PATHFINDER COMPANY" above and, "FIRST IN LAST OUT" below; the disc topped by a black ribbon banner with a border and the words, "FOR EXCELLENCE," both pewter-colored.

Journal - Page 107 - Line 32

A pathfinder is inserted or dropped into place in order to set up and operate drop zones, pickup zones, and helicopter landing sites for airborne operations, air resupply operations, or other air operations in support of the ground unit commander. Pathfinders first appeared in World War II and continue to serve an important role in today's modern military, providing commanders with the option of flexibly employing air assets. The 82nd Airborne's Pathfinder unit is Company F (Pathfinder), 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment.