Founded in 1946 as part of the Army Air Forces, Strategic Air Command (SAC) was established as an official command of the U.S. Air Force in 1947.

Functioning initially as a training command, SAC rapidly developed in the nation's leading instrument of defense and nuclear deterrence. Possessing an arsenal of long-range, combat configured bombers, such as the legendary B-52 Stratofortress, SAC continually demonstrated its immediate retaliation capacity, providing American military forces with unmatched global reach for more than forty years. On June 1, 1992, with its mission of achieving victory in the Cold War complete, the Strategic Air Command was officially deactivated, leaving behind the lasting legacy of freedom.

This coin commemorates the historic mission of the Strategic Air Command to bolster America's air defense network throughout the Cold War. The obverse depicts the emblem of the Strategic Air Command. The reverse bears the official seal of the U.S. Air Force.

Minted in a brass alloy, this shield-shaped coin is imbued with enamel on both sides.