One of the icons of the Vietnam War is the Zippo lighter. Sure they are wind-proof and guaranteed by the manufacturer to light every time – if it didn’t, it was replaced for free – perfect for Vietnam. Everyone had one – even if they didn’t smoke cigarettes. Next to a P-38 can opener, a lighter came in handy for lighting a heat tab or C-4 when cooking meals or making coffee in the field.
Tattoos are popular today and allow recipients an opportunity to “advertise” those things they feel strongly about. Could be a picture, scene, saying or even foreign characters. Back in the day, engraving Zippo lighters was the rave in Vietnam. Every one of them was unique and “advertised” a bravado saying, homage to their units and reminders of those back home.
I had one with a saying, but have absolutely no idea what happened to it. Today, the Vietnamese and personal vendors are selling those that metal detectors have uncovered throughout the country. Some are real and others counterfeit – made to look like they survived the elements for the last forty years. I have included about forty pictures of various engraved lighters from the internet for your viewing pleasure. If you still have one, take a picture of it and send it via my email and I’ll add it to this blog.
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Do you still have your engraved Zippo for your days in Vietnam? If so, send me a picture and I’ll add it to this article.
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The Zippo lighter isn’t only connected to Ww2, you’ll find it stars in movies linked with the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In “Sergeant Terror”, a Zippo connected the characters of Karl Malden and Richard Widmark as well as in “Pork Chop Hill”, actor Gregory Peck simply had to depend on his Zippo for moral support.
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Very awesome article and good posting. iam realy enjoying it. is there any zippo in market. i dream i can have one.
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Reblogged this on cozymart and commented:
awesome blogging post
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It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for
sharing.
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Still have my zippo from viet nam…69-70″ war is hell but combat is a son of a bitch”
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Reblogged this on Cherries – A Vietnam War Novel and commented:
Thought I’d republish a blog from two years ago – Zippo lighters in Vietnam – new pictures added.
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I’ve made close to thirty trips to Vietnam since 1992 and seen forged cigarette lighters all over Vietnam. Took some pictures of some of my last trip a few months ago. I’ve even seen them in Vietnam a few times!
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Thanks for the posts..Some of these I’ve never seen before.
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I dropped my Zippo into the primary crusher I was operating at Cam Rahn Bay and caught it on it’s second pass through the secondary, sent the mangled remains back to the factory re-cieved a new one a month later. Msgt Ret. 555 Red Horse 65-67.
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