The Battle of Tripoli was an engagement on between the German-Italian tank army commanded by Erwin Rommel of Germany and Ettore Bastico of Italy, who held the town, and the Allies commanded by Montgomery. During the Liberation of Tripoli, Germany was deeply involved on a second war front, with Russia. This meant that a depleted Germany force fought in North Africa. After a short siege, the Germans withdrew from Tripoli, and the Allies entered the town.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with various engravings: the owner's name «Rusty» with the monogram «WMD» on one side and «Tripoli» along with a Libyan scene that includes a mosque, two palm trees and a bedouin on a dromedary on the other side.