Zippo Vietnam

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the inscription «The Only Battery ‘Charlie’» above the crossed cannons insignia of the U.S. Marine Corps artillery, with «313» (1st Battalion, 13th Marines, 3rd Marine Division) and the date 1 July 66 below. The reverse features the text «GOOD GRIEF ANOTHER MISSION» above a depiction of Snoopy lying on his doghouse, alongside an illustrated 105 mm howitzer, with «VIETNAM ’67–’68» below – commemorating Charlie Battery’s combat service in I Corps, including the Battle of Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive.

In 1967–1968, Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 13th Marines, operated as a mobile 105 mm howitzer unit in I Corps, supporting the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions around Quảng Trị, Con Thien, and the DMZ under frequent enemy fire. During the Tet Offensive, the battery was pivotal in the Battle of Khe Sanh, delivering round-the-clock barrages under Operation Niagara to repel North Vietnamese assaults and secure supply routes. The siege, among the war’s heaviest artillery engagements, lasted until July 1968.

Vietnam Zippo with original factory engravings and the later added name «Ken Brott», engraved in country during his Vietnam service. Accompanied by two photographs of Ken Brott and his dog tag.

After the Tet Offensive and Khe Sanh, Charlie Battery operated throughout I Corps in 1968–1969, supporting Marine and ARVN forces in Quảng Trị and Thừa Thiên provinces. Frequently relocating, they delivered accurate 105 mm fire in defensive and offensive operations, securing the DMZ approaches, countering infiltration, and aiding clearing missions near Huế and Highway 1. Despite monsoons and constant enemy fire, their sustained, precise support was vital to holding key terrain and disrupting enemy movements. Charlie Battery’s relentless performance made it one of the Marine Corps most dependable and effective artillery units in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Zippo with the front factory engraved arrowhead insignia associated with MACV-SOG reconnaissance units, featuring three lightning bolts above a downward-pointing dagger beneath the «AIRBORNE» tab.

The Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) was a highly classified U.S. special operations task force active from 1964 to 1972. Its reconnaissance teams conducted covert missions, intelligence gathering, and cross-border operations in Laos and Cambodia, often targeting the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Vietnam Zippo with the front factory engraved in color with the insignia of the 101st Airborne Division’s «Attack Company» and the text «STRIKE FORCE» below, featuring the division’s distinctive eagle head emblem. The reverse is engraved with a skull flanked by parachutist wings above the phrase «WHEN I KILL THE ONLY THING I FEEL IS RECOIL»

The 502nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division, served in Vietnam from late 1967 until 1972. Nicknamed the «Strike Force», the regiment was an airmobile infantry unit conducting search-and-destroy operations, air assaults, reconnaissance-in-force, and security missions. Operating primarily in I Corps Tactical Zone, including the A Shau Valley and Thua Thien Province, the 502nd participated in major actions such as the Tet Offensive, the Battle of Hamburger Hill, and operations against North Vietnamese forces along the Laotian border. Even as U.S. ground combat forces began to withdraw, the regiment continued to support South Vietnamese operations until redeployment.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the insignia of Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11) «The Red Rippers» featuring the squadron crest with a red lightning bolt and the text «THE RED RIPPERS» above and «VF-11» below. The reverse depicts a U.S. Navy F-4 Phantom II fighter in flight – the aircraft type flown by VF-11 during the Vietnam War, conducting carrier based air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in support of U.S. Navy operations.

Fighter Squadron 11 deployed to the Vietnam War as part of Carrier Air Wing 6 aboard USS Forrestal in 1967, flying the F-4B Phantom II. Their time in the combat zone was limited – the 1967 cruise was cut short after the devastating fire aboard Forrestal on July 29, 1967, which killed 134 sailors and forced the carrier to withdraw from operations.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the insignia of the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron «The Silver Knights,» featuring a mounted knight with lance and shield, the crest framed by a scroll reading «THE SILVER KNIGHTS» above and «416th TAC FTR SQ» below. The brushed chrome finish highlights the detailed squadron emblem in blue and gold.

The 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, flying the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. In 1967, the squadron operated from bases in Thailand as part of Operation Rolling Thunder, conducting strike missions against heavily defended targets in North Vietnam. Known for its distinctive knight emblem, the 416th earned a combat record marked by heavy action and significant losses during some of the most intense air campaigns of the war.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the silhouette of an AH-1 HueyCobra attack helicopter in flight, with the name «HueyCobra» below. The reverse features the red «bh» logo of Bell Helicopter Company above the words «BELL HELICOPTER COMPANY», the manufacturer of the AH-1 series.

The AH-1G HueyCobra, introduced in 1967, was the U.S. Army’s first dedicated attack helicopter and saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing close air support, armed escort, and rapid reaction capabilities, especially during high-intensity operations such as the Tet Offensive.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the insignia of the 160th Transportation Detachment, showing a helicopter wearing a cowboy hat above an anvil, with a hammer at the side, and the words «160TH TRANSPORTATION DETACHMENT» and «COWBOY MAINTENANCE SUPPORT» encircling the design.

The 160th Transportation Detachment served in Vietnam providing aviation maintenance and transportation support. The unit was responsible for the maintenance and repair of rotary-wing aircraft, ensuring helicopters remained operational for transport, supply, and combat support missions. Operating under demanding field conditions, the detachment played a key role in sustaining flight operations and maintaining the readiness of assigned aircraft throughout its deployment in the Republic of Vietnam.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with a depiction of a UH-1N twin-engine Huey helicopter in flight above the text «UH-1N», and the words «TWIN ENGINE HUEY TEAM» above the colored insignia of Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML-167).

Marine Light Helicopter Squadron-167 operated UH-1 helicopters in Vietnam from 1968 until June 1971, providing troop transport, medical evacuation, and close air support for U.S. Marine Corps forces while based at Marble Mountain Air Facility near Da Nang. On 15 June 1971, the squadron’s last two aircraft departed the Republic of Vietnam aboard USS Dubuque, marking the end of its Vietnam deployment. Shortly after, HML-167 was transferred to MCAS(H) New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, becoming part of MAG-26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, and in April 1972 received the Marine Corps’ first UH-1N, assuming the role of primary UH-1N squadron, training unit, and model manager for the aircraft.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved with the HELATKLTRON-3 unit insignia and above a non factory engraved UH-1 Huey helicopter on the front. The reverse side features a non factory engraved map of Vietnam and the years of service «67–68».

Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three (HA(L)-3), known as the Seawolves, was the U.S. Navy’s only dedicated attack helicopter squadron of the Vietnam War. Formed in 1967, the unit operated armed UH-1B and UH-1C gunships in support of the brown-water Navy, SEALs and riverine forces throughout the Mekong Delta. From small shore bases and floating barges, Seawolf pilots and gunners flew relentless close-air-support, medevac, and rescue missions under intense fire – often at night and in poor weather.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved with the «Black Knights» unit insignia and unit details «Co C 2d BN 5th CAV 1st AIR CAV» on the front side, and the 1st Cavalry Division's shoulder sleeve insignia on the back side, with the Combat Infantryman Badge above.

Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was a U.S. Army infantry unit that served on the front lines of the Vietnam War. As part of the first airmobile division, they used helicopters to rapidly deploy into combat zones, often engaging in search-and-destroy missions against Viet Cong and NVA forces. In 1968, they took part in operations during the Tet Offensive and later fought in key battles like those in the A Shau Valley and the Cambodian Incursion in 1970. Known for their mobility and resilience, Charlie Company played a vital role in some of the war’s most intense fighting.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved with the «Honor and Courage» unit insignia of the U.S. 8th Cavalry Regiment with 8 stars and unit details «HHC 2d BN (ABN) 8th CAV 1st AIR CAV DIVISION» engraved on the front side, and the map of Vietnam with the places «Hue», «Dak To», «Bong Son», «Kontum», «Phu My», «An Khe» and «Toy Hoa» from top to down on the back side.

In 1968, the unit was involved in some of the war’s most pivotal operations. Early in the year, they played a critical role in countering the Tet Offensive, including intense fighting in Hue, a key urban battlefield. Soon after, the battalion was active around Dak To, a heavily contested area in the Central Highlands known for its fierce engagements with North Vietnamese forces. From there, the regiment operated in a wide arc across South Vietnam, including Bong Son, long associated with enemy strongholds, and strategic regions like Kontum and Phu My. The battalion also maneuvered through An Khe, once home to the division's base camp, and later participated in missions near the coastal area of Tuy Hoa.

Vietnam Zippo factory-engraved with the unit details «HQS CO 1st BN 12th CAV / 1st AIR CAV DIV» on the front, together with a cactus insignia. The reverse side features the Combat Infantryman Badge above the distinctive yellow shield and black horsehead insignia of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), along with the motto «SEMPER PARATUS».

The 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment was one of the original units of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), deployed to Vietnam in 1965. As part of the Army’s first airmobile division, the battalion conducted helicopter-borne assaults, reconnaissance missions, and search-and-destroy operations across South Vietnam. It played a key role in early major engagements such as the Ia Drang campaign and, in 1969, operated primarily in III Corps Tactical Zone, including areas along the Cambodian border.

Vietnam Zippo factory-engraved with the unit details «HEADQUARTERS 2nd BRIGADE 1st CAVALRY DIVISION» on the front, above the division’s distinctive yellow shield and black horsehead insignia. The reverse side bears the «Black Horse Brigade» emblem, featuring a rearing horse within a gold circle.

The 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was a major combat element of the U.S. Army’s first helicopter assault division. In 1969, its headquarters operated from Quan Lợi Base Camp in Bình Long Province, directing operations along the Cambodian border during Operation Toan Thang and the early stages of the Cambodian Incursion. Using helicopter mobility to deploy troops rapidly into combat, the brigade engaged in near-constant action against North Vietnamese forces. The 2nd Brigade fought almost continuously from 1965 through 1971, making it one of the most battle-engaged brigades in the entire conflict.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with a depiction of an M48 Patton tank and the text «M COMPANY 3/11 ACR VIETNAM», representing M Company, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

M Company, 3/11 ACR served in Vietnam as part of the “Blackhorse Regiment,” operating tanks to deliver heavy firepower and support the regiment’s armored reconnaissance and security missions for U.S. and South Vietnamese forces.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with a depiction of an M113 armored personnel carrier and the text «HHT 3/11th ACR Vietnam 66–67», representing the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during its service in the Vietnam War.

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, known as the «Blackhorse Regiment», carried out armored reconnaissance and security missions in Vietnam, delivering mobile firepower, screening friendly forces, and providing rapid reaction support to U.S. and South Vietnamese operations.

Vietnam Zippo with the front hand engraved «Olé Limber Dick» and beneath «“II”», above a factory acid-etched and color-filled shield insignia reading «C 7TH ENG BN / Chargin’ Charlie», identifying Charlie Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, a U.S. Army combat engineer unit. The reverse is hand engraved «If You Lose This Your Through» above four factory acid-etched heavy engineer vehicles depicting a crawler crane, a road roller, a wheeled scraper, and a tractor transport on a lowboy trailer.

In 1969, Charlie Company, 7th Engineer Battalion operated with the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) primarily in Quảng Trị Province near Đông Hà and along Route 9 toward the Laotian border. The battalion conducted combat engineer operations including mine sweeping, road construction and maintenance, bridge building, bunker and firebase construction, and land-clearing missions in support of mechanized infantry units operating near the Demilitarized Zone. Working under constant threat of mines, artillery, and ambush, engineer crews frequently accompanied convoy and route security elements in contested terrain. In this context, personalized names such as «Olé Limber Dick II» were commonly assigned to heavy engineer vehicles.

Vietnam Zippo lighter factory engraved with the text «805th Trans Co (Lt Trk)» above the U.S. Transportation Corps insignia. Below is the inscription «Vietnam 66–67», marking the unit’s service period.

The 805th Transportation Company (Light Truck), part of the 39th Transportation Battalion, served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971. Its early period of service was based in the central coastal region near Qui Nhon, before the unit later redeployed north to Phu Bai. Known by the nickname «Gearjammers», the company ran critical supply convoys in I Corps Tactical Zone, moving troops, ammunition, and equipment between coastal ports and inland bases. Due to frequent ambushes and mine threats, the 805th employed gun trucks for convoy protection, including the well-known “Lil Sureshot”, painted with a large bullseye on each side. Their work kept vital supply lines open under constant risk, reflecting the dangerous but essential role of U.S. Army transportation units in Vietnam.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with a depiction of a PBR (Patrol Boat River) under way, with the inscription «RIVER DIVISION 574 VIETNAM» below. The reverse features the River Division 574 insignia. Received together with the shoulder patch.

The River Division 574 was part of the U.S. Navy’s River Patrol Force (Task Force 116) in Vietnam, tasked with patrolling the Mekong Delta’s rivers and canals to interdict Viet Cong supply lines, provide fire support, insert and extract troops, and enforce curfews and checkpoints – playing a key role in controlling vital waterways during the war.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with a depiction of a Swift Boat (PCF) with the inscription «SWIFT» below. The reverse features the insignia of Coastal Division Eleven.

Coastal Squadron One was the U.S. Navy command for Swift Boat (PCF) operations along South Vietnam’s coast during the Vietnam War as part of Operation Market Time. Based at An Thoi with detachments at other coastal bases, it patrolled territorial waters, intercepted enemy supply craft, and supported coastal and riverine combat, helping to block maritime infiltration routes.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with a ship and on the reverse with the insignia of U.S. Navy Coastal Squadron Three.

During the late 1960s, U.S. Navy Coastal Squadron Three operated from Cam Ranh Bay as part of the U.S. Navy’s coastal warfare forces during the Vietnam War, conducting fast patrol craft operations, maritime interdiction, and coastal security missions along the Vietnamese coastline.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with a ship and on the reverse with the insignia of U.S. Navy Coastal Squadron Three. The lid is hand engraved with «CAM RANH BAY» and the dates «68–69» below on one side, and «PETE» on the other, identifying the U.S. Navy serviceman to whom the lighter belonged.

In the late 1960s, U.S. Navy Coastal Squadron Three operated fast patrol craft as part of Operation Market Time, conducting coastal interdiction and maritime security missions to prevent the infiltration of men and supplies along the South Vietnamese coastline during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the insignia of Coastal Division Eleven, a unit of Task Force 115.

Task Force 115, the Coastal Surveillance Force, directed Swift Boats, Coast Guard cutters, and other vessels in Operation Market Time to prevent the seaborne movement of troops and supplies from North Vietnam. Its units patrolled the coastline, inspected vessels, supported special operations, and provided naval gunfire, greatly reducing enemy maritime infiltration.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the insignia of Coastal Division 11, a circular emblem with the image of Snoopy in profile, encircled by the words «COASTAL DIVISION ELEVEN» above and «NUMBAH ONE WATCHDOG» below.

Coastal Division 11 was a Swift Boat unit based at An Thoi on Phu Quoc Island, patrolling the southern coast and approaches to the Mekong Delta. Crews boarded vessels, supported special forces, and delivered naval gunfire, often under hostile fire in challenging coastal and river areas.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the insignia of Coastal Division 13, featuring a patrol craft cutting through stylized blue waves beneath a vigilant black cat, with the words «COASTAL DIVISION» above, «VIGILANCE» below, and the number «13» at the side.

Coastal Division 13 served as part of Coastal Squadron One during the Vietnam War. Operating fast patrol craft under Operation Market Time, the division conducted coastal surveillance and maritime interdiction missions along the South Vietnamese coastline. Its primary role was to prevent the infiltration of enemy personnel, weapons, and supplies by sea, contributing to the U.S. Navy’s efforts to secure coastal waters and disrupt North Vietnamese supply routes.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on one side with the insignia of the «U.S.S. Benewah (APB-35)» and the ship’s motto «Genius Paratus». The reverse features an enameled image of Snoopy in aviator gear, saluting beneath the inscription «FUCK YOU JANE».

The USS Benewah (APB-35) was a self-propelled barracks ship serving as flagship of the Mobile Riverine Force (Task Force 117) in the Mekong Delta. Commissioned during WWII and reactivated for Vietnam, she provided command, repair, and accommodation facilities for river assault squadrons conducting joint U.S. Navy and Army operations. Her crew supported combat and logistical missions under difficult riverine conditions, embodying the adaptability and resilience of America’s brown-water navy during the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Zippo lighter with the front featuring a factory-applied emblem reading «USS HENRY COUNTY LST-824 / SOUTH VIETNAM 1965 & 1966», identifying the U.S. Navy tank landing ship. The lid is hand engraved with Asian characters 奇利, likely added during deployment as a personal or port-engraved embellishment.

In 1966–1967, USS Henry County operated off the coast of South Vietnam in support of U.S. naval and ground operations. As a Landing Ship, Tank (LST), the vessel transported troops, vehicles, and supplies while providing logistical and amphibious support in coastal and riverine environments. LSTs played a critical role in sustaining combat units operating in I Corps and along contested coastal regions, conducting resupply missions, troop movements, and near-shore deployment operations during the height of early-war escalation prior to the Tet Offensive.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front showing a map of Vietnam with a naval vessel, surrounded by the inscription «USS HANCOCK CVA-19» above and «SOUTH VIETNAM 1968» below, flanked by anchor symbols. The reverse is personalized with the name «Goose», dated «Feb. 65» above the United States Navy seal, with «Feb. 69» engraved below, indicating a four year period of U.S. Navy service during the Vietnam War.

Between 1965 and 1969, USS Hancock (CVA-19) conducted multiple Western Pacific and Vietnam combat deployments, operating primarily in the Gulf of Tonkin as part of Task Force 77. In 1968, the carrier played an active role during and after the Tet Offensive, launching sustained air strikes against North Vietnamese targets and providing continuous naval aviation support to U.S. and allied forces throughout one of the conflict’s most intensive periods.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the ship and insignia of the «U.S.S. Wasp», with «TASK GROUP BRAVO» below. The lid is hand-engraved with the name «Pete», identifying the U.S. Navy serviceman who later also served with U.S. Navy Coastal Squadron Three during the Vietnam War era.

During the mid-to-late 1960s, USS Wasp operated extensively in the Western Pacific as part of U.S. Navy task group deployments connected to the Vietnam War. Assigned to Task Group Bravo, the ship conducted sustained operations supporting fleet readiness and regional naval presence, including aviation and escort duties tied to combat operations in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam Zippo factory engraved on the front with the Seabees insignia of the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seven. The reverse side features an engraved outline map of South Vietnam with the country labeled «SOUTH VIETNAM» and the principal operational locations of the battalion listed vertically: «DONG HA», «HUE», «PHU-BAI», «DA NANG», «CHU LAI», «SAIGON», «CAM RANH», «GO CONG» and «SOC TRANG».

During the Vietnam War, NMCB-7 was one of the Navy’s principal Seabee units, constructing airfields, base camps, hospitals, and roads under combat conditions throughout South Vietnam.