During the war a number of "clubs" sprung up that servicemen could become members of by completing various tasks (or, in many cases, having events happen to them). They are united by the presentation of some sort of certificate or other award signifying membership in an informal society and their tongue-in-cheek nature. Common characteristics include using "old timey" and overly eloquent language to convey a faux legitimacy, frequently alluding to the "ancient" history of their "order" as a novelty and bestowing upon the awardee an honorary title. Examples and their criteria for induction include:
There are also a number of traditions, that while not the same, are similar enough to deserve mention as they are examples how these clubs are only one part of a larger trend:
- Challenge Coin – coin produced upon demand to avoid paying for a round of drinks
- Ejection Tie Club – ejecting
- Quiet Birdmen – civilian "secret society" of male aviators
- Short Snorter – ribbon made up of various currencies and signed by individuals met along the holder's travels
- Tontine (aka Last Man Club) – agreement regarding a reward or benefit to be enjoyed by final surviving member(s) (e.g. the Doolittle Raider final toast)
- Tough $hit ("TS") Chit (aka Sympathy Chit) – a "get out of jail free card" to take pity on the holder, awarded by chaplains[2]
- Trusty Shellbacks (aka Line-Crossing Club) – crossing the equator
Which ones am I missing?
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Tri-State Warbird Museum Collections Manager & Museum Attendant
Warbird Philosophy Webmaster
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