History of Military payment certificate in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 28, 2025

Military Payment Certificates (MPCs) were a form of currency used by the U.S. military to pay personnel in foreign countries from 1946 to 1973. Introduced shortly after WWII and used until after the Vietnam War, these certificates were designed as colorful, inexpensive banknotes produced through line lithography. Their purpose was to provide a secure and convenient method of payment for American troops stationed abroad, while also controlling the flow of U.S. dollars in foreign economies.

1946: Introduction of Military Payment Certificates

In 1946, a few months after the end of World War II, Military Payment Certificates (MPC) began to be used to pay U.S. military personnel in certain foreign countries.

1946: Initial Issuance of MPC Series

In 1946, the Military Payment Certificates (MPC) were officially issued, with a total of thirteen series being released between 1946 and 1973.

1968: Illicit currency incident in Tour of Duty episode

In 1968, an episode of the TV series "Tour of Duty", set in Vietnam, featured a Finance Corps lieutenant spotting a soldier in illegal possession of a five dollar treasury note. The lieutenant warned the soldier to convert it to MPCs the next morning.

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1968: Addition of $20 MPC Note

In 1968, during US involvement in the Vietnam War, a $20 note was added to the Military Payment Certificates (MPC) denominations.

1973: End of MPC Usage After Vietnam War

In 1973, a few months after the end of U.S. participation in the Vietnam War, the use of Military Payment Certificates (MPC) was discontinued in most locations.

1973: Final Retirement of MPC in South Korea

In the autumn of 1973, after the official end of U.S. participation in the Vietnam War, a surprise C-day was held in South Korea, resulting in the total retirement of Military Payment Certificates (MPC), which were replaced by greenbacks.

1977: Korean War C-Day plot in MAS*H episode

In 1977, The M*A*S*H TV series featured an episode called "Change Day" that used the Korean War C-day as a key plot element.

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1978: Korean War C-Day plot in MAS*H episode

In 1978, The M*A*S*H TV series featured an episode called "Change Day" that used the Korean War C-day as a key plot element.

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1979: MPC Usage in The Short-Timers novel

In 1979, Gustav Hasford's Vietnam War novel "The Short-Timers" depicted characters using Military Payment Certificates (MPC) as Monopoly money.

1989: Reference to MPCs in Tour of Duty episode

In 1989, an episode of the TV series "Tour of Duty", set in Vietnam, referenced Military Payment Certificates (MPCs) when a soldier was found with a five dollar treasury note and warned to convert it to MPCs.

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