The Enemy Unknown medallion takes inspiration from the Saint Gaudens double eagle, to remind us of how a perceived ally may reveal itself to be our greatest foe. Lady Liberty has been replaced by a ‘friend’ with an extended hand offeringan olive branch and a smile on one side, hiding a dagger with a skeletal hand in the other. Behind the figure are rays of sunshine, the promise of health and prosperity. On the other side, in the figure’s wake, a dead olive tree stands, with vultures circling overhead.The broken chain represents the broken chain of commitment, when envy or malice rot away at the bonds of trust.

The dead olive tree is the remains of the healthy olive branch in the figures hand, the consequence of using an offer of peace as a bargaining chip or a false premise, rather than as a core principle. The vultures circling are representative of the only creatures who prosper in situations where trust is broken. One enterprising vulture follows the figure closely, ready to swoop in on the next unfortunate victim.

Whether it’s a friend, a business partner, or even a family member, the greatest enemies we face are not met on an open battlefield in honest combat, but around the hearth fire. The enemy we meet in battle can be met with honor, our weapons and intellect against theirs. The more dangerous enemy is the enemy unknown. We invited them into our ranks, we shared our home and hearth. Like Brutus to Caesar, Judas to Jesus, Benedict Arnold to the American Forces, our best friends can become our most dangerous enemies as we welcome them closer, into the range of a dagger

To these enemies we say,

"We see you. Meet us in open combat if you dare."