The challenge coin has the 82nd Airborne insignia in the center. This consists of a large square with a circle inside. Inside the circle are the letters "AA". The inner legs of the "A"'s are vertical and the outside legs are curved. Above the square is a arc banner which says "AIRBORNE". The "AA" refers to the nickname "All American Division" which was adopted by the organization in France during World War I. The legend along the upper edge of the medal says "82d AIRBORNE DIVISION". The coin has a smooth plain raised edge, and a plain and smooth background.

The central design feature is a parachute with feathered wings on it. Above the parachute is a small five-point star in a wreath of feathered wings. This is the badge of a Master Parachutist. Along the upper edge of the medal it says "WWII KOREA, VIETNAM". Along the lower edge of the medal it says "GRENADA, PANAMA, DESERT STORM". The coin has a smooth plain raised edge, and a plain and smooth background.

The 82nd Division was formed in 1917 during World War I. At the time of Operation Just Cause the 82nd Airborne Division was based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In the early morning hours of December 20th, 1989, they performed a combat jump on the Tocumen-Torrijos Airport complex outside of Panama City. This was the first combat jump for the 82nd Airborne since World War II. During Operation Just Cause four 82nd soldiers were killed in action, and many others were injured.