In March 2018, Ferris Coin Co. announced a nation-wide competition to design a silver round commemorative medal honoring African American World War I hero Sgt. Henry Johnson to be struck on the 100th anniversary of his May 15, 1917 act of valor in the Forest of Argonne, France. The contest attracted submissions from across the U.S., including work by several artists whose designs appear on many coins produced by the U.S. Mint.

Entries were evaluated by an expert jury composed of esteemed professional artists and a representative of the 369th Veteran's Association. No identifying information was included in the submission materials presented to the jury. Though the jury was free to select any combination of obverse and reverse designs by any artists, the panel selected a single artist's designs fro both sides. They felt that artist Chris Costello best captured the spirit of Sgt. Henry Johnson's self-less sacrifice for his country and for his fellow soldiers, and that his message best reflected the spirit of the annual Henry Johnson Day and Henry Johnson Award for Distinguished Community Service, awarded by the City of Albany, N.Y. in partnership with the 369th Veteran's Association Inc. Albany District. Ferris Coin Co. donated 10 silver medals to the 369th for the annual award and $2 of every sale will benefit the 369th and the award as well.