During World War II, the U.S. Army's activities in the Panama Canal Zone were focused on defending the strategically vital canal, crucial for Allied naval operations. In 1942 the zone saw increased troop deployments and the fortification of defenses. That same year, the U.S. also began interning Japanese, German, and Italian nationals in the Canal Zone, suspecting them of potential espionage or sabotage, to protect the canal from any Axis threats.
Well worn black crackle Zippo engraved with the owner's initials «W B» on the front and «Panama Zone» on the back.
