Zippos WWII / PRZ

U.S. Army 52nd Medical Battalion

First deployed to a combat zone during WWII, the 52nd Medical Battalion took part in seven campaigns, with three in Italy, two in France, and one each in Germany and Central Europe. During the invasion of Southern France it was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. The Battalion was assigned to operate an evacuation holding hospital at Istres, which grew to a 1,000-bed facility with a turnover of some 600 patients per day.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with an applied distinctive unit insignia of the 52nd Medical Battalion along with a Swastika HJ emblem as a trophy of the U.S. G.I., who owned this lighter and fought against the Nazis, on one side and a 1914 German iron cross medal along with three crossed swords from ribbon bar on the other side.

Model: three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year: 1943 - 45
Status: in collection

Colonel Rank Insignia

Colonel, the highest field-grade officer, ranking just below the general officer grades.

Worn black crackle Zippo with a colonel rank insignia and a U.S. Army officers collar insignia on each side.

Model: three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year: 1943 - 45
Status: in collection

Jesus Holy Medal

Black crackle with officers cap insignia and with religious lucky charm.

Model: four barrel hinge, round bottom
Year: 1942 - 43
Status: in collection

St. Christopher Medal

St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers.

Model: three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year: 1943 - 45
Status: in collection

Crucifix – Raymond R. Hotaling

Private Hotaling, Raymond R. was enlisted 16th of June 1944 at Fort Dix New Jersey.

Black crackle with painted monogram H together with his personal belongings including crucifix, dog tag and sweetheart bracelet.

Model: three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year: 1943 - 45
Status: in collection

U.S. Army Chaplain Corps – P.G. Kelly

Throughout the WWII, Army Chaplains carried out field burials, provided medical and moral support as well as helping the soldiers they were with to solve practical personal issues.

The cross is the insignia for military chaplains.

Model: three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year: 1943 - 45
Status: in collection

French Foreign Legion

The French foreign legion was involved in different battles during WWII especially in Africa: 1940 in Dakar (French West Africa) and Gabon (French Equatorial Africa), 1941 in Keren (Eritrea) and Marocco (French Morocco), 1942 in Bir Hakeim (Libya) and El Alamein (Egypt) and 1943 in Djebel Mansour and Djebel Zaghouan (Tunisia).

Black crackle with an applique of a French foreign legion soldiers head and Sahara kepi.

Model: three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year: 1943 - 45
Status: in collection

Shriners of North America

Black crackle with an applique from the Shriners of North America. According to the original owner, the Zippo was hit by a bullet during the war and repaired on both sides.