A Coin Returned, A Brotherhood Rekindled: Honoring Marine John Callahan’s Journey
On May 1, 2025, Marine Corps veteran John Callahan was at home in Wethersfield, Connecticut when he received something deeply meaningful: a replica of his long-lost 5th Communications Battalion challenge coin. The original coin—carried since his time in Vietnam—had been mistakenly thrown away during a recent hospital stay. It wasn’t just a coin. It was a symbol of brotherhood, of survival, and of a chapter in his life marked by danger, duty, and deep personal loss.
The replacement coin was presented by fellow Marine veterans, retired 1st Sgt. Ben Grainger and John “Maddog” Scanlon. They made sure it reached John’s hands with full respect, knowing how much it represented. Though artist Rachel Sanborn helped recreate the coin with great attention to detail, she was not present for the presentation. The moment belonged to the Marines.
Vietnam and the Role of a Young Radio Operator
John joined the Marines just before turning 17 and arrived in Vietnam in 1965. He served as a radio operator—one of the most dangerous roles in combat. Radios were critical to operations, and the men who carried them were often targeted by enemy forces. John was frequently reassigned between units, sometimes with only a day’s notice. He didn’t just witness the war—he moved through it, unit by unit, call sign by call sign, always under threat and always on the move.
John’s memories of Vietnam are sharp. In the videos recorded in April 2025, he spoke of calling in airstrikes, landing in hostile territory, and surviving a war that changed him forever. Some stories he shared were full of Marine grit and gallows humor. Others were quieter, reflective, and filled with pain—especially when he spoke of the friends he never saw again.
Agent Orange: The Invisible Enemy
What followed him home wasn’t just memory. It was Agent Orange. During his service, John was exposed to the chemical herbicide sprayed over jungles to eliminate cover for enemy fighters. “There was no escaping it,” he said. “It was in the air, in the water, and it stayed with us.”
Now in his late 70s, John battles diabetes and liver disease—both linked to Agent Orange exposure. He’s been hospitalized multiple times with internal bleeding and other complications. His story is tragically common among Vietnam veterans. An estimated 2.6 million Americans served in Vietnam, and the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that at least 300,000 were exposed to Agent Orange. Many, like John, are still fighting its effects today.
A Moment That Meant Everything
When the replacement coin was placed in John’s hands, it wasn’t just a physical object being returned—it was an act of respect. A recognition of all he endured. A promise that his service has not been forgotten. That coin, once lost, has found its way home. And so, in a small but powerful way, has John’s story.
Semper Fidelis, John. You are not alone.
Short Clip of John Receiving his replica coin.( Full Videos Below)
(VIDEO) Vietnam Combat Marine Veteran John Callahan Shares Stories
Cris Villalonga, the health equity reporter for CT Insider recently Interviewed John Callahan for a story relating to Agent Orange Exposure that was written for the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/agent-orange-exposure-50-years-vietnam-20275074.php
Previous Articles About John
Restoring Brotherhood: Honoring Marine John Callahan and Confronting the Legacy of Agent Orange
https://ctvetsbulletin.org/2025/04/21/restoring-brotherhood-honoring-marine-john-callahan-and-confronting-the-legacy-of-agent-orange/
Vietnam Combat Veteran Marine’s Challenge Coin Replacement Effort Moves Forward: Donations Needed for Reproduction
https://ctvetsbulletin.org/2025/04/17/vietnam-marines-challenge-coin-replacement-effort-moves-forward-donations-needed-for-reproduction/
A Connecticut Marine’s Heart Is Hurting—Let’s Show Him He’s Not Alone
https://ctvetsbulletin.org/2025/04/08/a-connecticut-marines-heart-is-hurting-lets-show-him-hes-not-alone/
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