U.S. Army Air Forces Bomber – Paul. J. Stein

Paul J. Stein (35398924) served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII. He served with the 19th Mess Group at Amarillo Army Air Field, Texas, before later assignments with the 2132nd AAF Base Unit at Maxwell Field, Alabama, and Unit H, 2123rd AAF Base Unit (Flexible Gunnery School) at Harlingen Army Air Field, Texas. Naples, engraved on this lighter, had suffered approximately 200 Allied air raids before its capture in October 1943 and subsequently became one of the most important Allied ports and logistical hubs in Italy. Stein was stationed there during the closing months of the war, witnessing both Victory in Europe Day (8 May 1945) and Victory over Japan Day (15 August 1945).


Well worn black crackle Zippo with various engravings: the U.S. Army Air Force bomber insignia and the place of action «Naples» and «Italy» on the front and «VE» known as Victory in Europe Day, the owners name «Paul. J. Stein», his personal service number «35398924» and the date «8.15.45» together with «VJ» the day that proclaimed Victory over Japan Day on the other side.

  • Model:

    three barrel hinge, round bottom

  • Year:

    1943 - 45

  • Status:

    in collection

U.S. Army Air Forces Bomber – Paul. J. Stein, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1U.S. Army Air Forces Bomber – Paul. J. Stein, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2