Historical information

Zippos were commonly used by soldiers during the war in Vietnam. In addition to use for smoking and signaling; they could also start campfires and melt plastic for quick repairs. Servicemen had their lighters personalised at local metal engravers. They could choose from a wide selection of templates or design their own. The worn shield on this lighter is the emblem of the United States 7th Fleet. The United States entered into the Vietnam War when the 7th Fleet was involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Between 1950 and 1970, the Seventh Fleet was known by the nickname "Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club" because most of the fleet's operations were conducted from the Tonkin Gulf.

Physical description

Small silver-coloured zippo lighter with worn blue insignia on front.

Inscriptions & markings

Back: WHEN THE BADGE IS/ON THE SHOULDER/MY LIFE WITHIN/AN ACE OF DEATH
Front: Vietnam/ Quang Tri / 71-2 above work blue shield with eagle over an anchor and number 7