2016 seems to have had a more than usual number of military pilots that have been lost. As you read the many stories of crashes and accidents you may have seen someone comment, “Throw a Nickel on the Grass.”

There may be a bit of debate about the exact origins of the saying but all agree it is a tribute to a fallen pilot. There is an old military tradition of leaving a coin on a gravestone as a show of respect and this may be a variation of that.

Throw a nickel on the grass–Save a fighter pilot’s ass.
Oh, Halleliua, Oh, Halleliua
Throw a nickel on the grass and you’ll be saved…

Throw a Nickel on the Grass is more than just a saying, it is a fighter pilot’s song that has been sung for decades. The words imply good luck to the person throwing the nickel. Singing the song no doubt helped ease the tensions of wartime. It seems to have been a popular song for aviators to sing during the Korean and Vietnam eras.

Some say the tune is from an old Salvation Army band song and the words modified for military aviation. Share with us your story about the saying and song and what it means to you.

A folk song singer named Oscar Brand who loved singing military type songs recorded a version of Nickel on the Grass which you can listen to below.

Oh, Halleliua, Halleliua
Throw a nickel on the grass–Save a fighter pilot’s ass.
Oh, Halleliua, Oh, Halleliua
Throw a nickel on the grass and you’ll be saved.