USS Rafael Peralta DDG 115 Challenge Coin – Product Details
About This Coin
Named in honor of Marine Sergeant Rafael Peralta — who posthumously received the Navy Cross for saving his fellow Marines by covering an enemy grenade with his own body during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 — this coin embodies the ship’s motto “FORTIS AD FINEM” (Courageous Till the End). As a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Rafael Peralta sails ready for battle with anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface armament . The Flight IIA designation provides advanced mine detecting capabilities, ballistic missile defense, and an embarked air wing, equipping the ship with the best of modern warfare advancements in her class.
Core Features
1. Ship’s Profile & “Fortis Ad Finem” Motto
The obverse displays a magnificent three-quarter view of the USS Rafael Peralta cutting through the water. Encircling the ship in a background of bold blue is the ship’s name and motto, “FORTIS AD FINEM,” which means “Courageous Till the End” .
This motto is a direct testament to Sgt. Rafael Peralta’s sacrifice and courage — a Marine who gave his life to save his brothers.
2. Official Ship’s Crest & Enamel Detailing
The reverse shimmers with the ship’s official crest in bright white, blue, and yellow, all surrounded by rich red enamel . The crest incorporates symbols representing the ship’s mission, its namesake’s Marine Corps heritage, and the destroyer’s combat capabilities.
The premium enamel finish provides vibrant, fade-resistant color that maintains its brilliance for years. The antique bronze finish gives the coin a distinguished, heirloom-quality appearance.
3. Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer Heritage
As an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, DDG-115 is part of the longest-produced Navy surface combatants. The Flight IIA designation, which applies to the USS Rafael Peralta, added advanced mine detecting systems, ballistic missile defense capabilities, and an embarked air wing .
The coin’s design reflects this proud heritage — a ship that dominates the oceans to keep liberty’s torch aglow.
Core Value for Customers
1. For USS Rafael Peralta Crew Members & Plankowners
A cherished symbol of shipboard pride and service aboard one of the Navy’s most advanced Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Commissioned in 2017, DDG-115 represents the cutting edge of naval surface warfare.
For original plankowners who served at the ship’s commissioning and for every sailor who has served since, this coin serves as a tangible connection to their ship, their shipmates, and their mission. The motto “Courageous Till the End” inspires daily dedication to duty.
2. For Marine Corps Veterans & Sgt. Rafael Peralta’s Legacy
The coin carries profound significance for Marines who understand the warrior spirit that Sgt. Peralta embodied — a selfless act of heroism that saved the lives of his fellow Marines. For those who served in Fallujah or elsewhere in the Global War on Terror, this coin honors the sacrifice of one of America’s bravest.
The coin ensures that Sgt. Peralta’s name and his actions at the Second Battle of Fallujah are never forgotten.
3. For Navy Commands & Procurement Officers
A meaningful, cost-effective recognition tool for government procurement by Navy commands, destroyer squadron leadership, and ship’s supply centers. The coin is ideal for deployment commemorations, reenlistment ceremonies, change of command events, and retirement awards.
With officially licensed status by the Department of the Navy ensuring authenticity, the USS Rafael Peralta challenge coin offers commands an affordable way to provide meaningful recognition across the ship’s company.