Description On December 10, 1946, a C-46 transport plane en route to Seattle, crashed high on the South Tahoma Glacier on Mount Rainier’s South Side, killing 32 Marines. Most of those killed were young enlisted men, fresh out of boot camp, who were traveling from San Diego to Seattle to await reassignment. Fierce winter weather conditions, including driving snow, thick fog, and 70 mph winds, forced the plane off course, blinding the pilot, his two crew members, and the 29 passengers on board to the awful fate that awaited them. This coin commemorates the tragic loss of those 32 brave Marines. Depicted front and center on the obverse is the globe and anchor emblem of the U.S. Marine Corps. Mount Rainier is featured in the background, her lofty summit illuminated by 32 bright stars, each one representing one of the men who died. Framed by a laurel wreath design on the reverse is a compelling tribute to those Marines. This coin comes packaged with a header card that describes the enduring commitment to freedom shown by every Marine since that force was founded over 200 years ago Minted in a proprietary brass alloy, this coin is then given a bronze antique finish. Each coin measures 1 7/8″ inches (47mm) Round in diameter. This is an NWTMINT surplus item. Packaging may vary.
