The Saint Barbara challenge coin—though not an official military-issued medal—is embraced by artillery communities and collectors to honor Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen. Widely celebrated on December 4, artillery units, especially within the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, hold St. Barbara’s Day events, including formal banquets, ceremonial “grogs,” and inductions into the Order of Saint Barbara, which recognizes exemplary service in field artillery and air defense artillery units