69th Armor, 1st Bn – «Black Panthers»

The 1st Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, known as the «Black Panthers», deployed to South Vietnam in 1966, initially supporting the 25th Infantry Division before being reassigned to the 4th Infantry Division in 1967. Equipped with M48A3 Patton tanks, the battalion conducted search-and-destroy operations, convoy escort, route security, base defense, reconnaissance, and direct fire support throughout the Central Highlands and coastal regions of South Vietnam. During four years of combat service, the battalion participated in ten Vietnam campaigns, earning a distinguished reputation as one of the U.S. Army's principal armored units in the Vietnam War.

Period engraved on the front with the owner's name "SP4 DAVID R. SMITH," above "VIET NAM 66–70," and the coat of arms of the 69th Armor Regiment bearing the regimental motto "VITESSE ET PUISSANCE" ("Speed and Power"). The reverse is engraved with a stylized tank above the inscriptions "D CO 1ST BN" and "69 ARMOR." The lighter remains in its original Zippo box.