The U.S. Army Air Force Combat units of WWII was constituted as 8th Bomber Command on 19 Jan 1942, the command conducted the heavy bombardment operations. Redesignated 8th Air Force on 22 Feb 1944. Afterward, engaged primarily in bombardment of strategic targets in Europe. These missions, however, carried a high price. Half of the U.S. Army Air Forces' casualties in WWII were suffered by 8th Air Force – more than 47,000 casualties with more than 26,000 dead. Seventeen Medals of Honor went to 8th Air Force personnel and there were 261 fighter aces in the 8th Air Force during World War II.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with different decorations: a St. Michael the saint of the U.S. Army Air Force units, a U.S. Army Air Force insignia, an emblem of the «The Mighty Eighth», a skull on the side, three different American coins and the following statements engraved: «Momento Mori», «Carpe Diem» and «Tempo Fugato».