173rd Airborne Division Brigade – Luke & Ann

The 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) was the first major U.S. Army ground combat unit deployed to South Vietnam, arriving in 1965. The brigade conducted airborne and airmobile operations, search-and-destroy missions, reconnaissance patrols, and security operations throughout the Vietnam War. By 1968, the brigade was heavily engaged in combat during the Tet Offensive, operating primarily in the III and II Corps Tactical Zones, including Bình Định Province, the Central Highlands, and areas around Tây Ninh. The 173rd earned a distinguished reputation for aggressive combat operations and remained in Vietnam until 1971.

Zippo hand engraved on the front with the 173rd Airborne Brigade insignia, featuring the «AIRBORNE» tab above the brigade's distinctive winged dagger emblem, with the owner's name «LUKE» engraved above. The reverse is engraved with a large Latin cross above a Sacred Heart bearing the name «ANN», surrounded by decorative floral scrollwork.