The U.S. 83rd Infantry Division arrived in England on 16 April 1944 and, after training in Wales, the division took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy and landed at Omaha Beach on 18 June 1944. Following the division participated in several campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. On 11 April 1945 the division encountered Langenstein-Zwieberge, a subcamp of the Buchenwald concentration camp, where the troops found approximately 1'100 inmates.

Well worn chrome plated Zippo with engravings all around. On the front the name «Mel Vin. J Vowels» and the units shoulder sleeve insignia of the U.S. 83rd Infantry Division in triangle form. On the back the name «William J. Patterson» and the U.S. Infantry insignia. On all sides ornaments.