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Bottom of Zippo is marked: " || ZIPPO | " which means lighter was made in 1971. Please view photos for more details of this vintage lighter. 

In 1971, during the Vietnam War, United States Special Forces were actively engaged in various operations in Quang Tri Province, located in the northern part of South Vietnam near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Role of US Special Forces in Quang Tri in 1971:

1. Training and Advising Indigenous Forces:

   • US Special Forces, including members of the Green Berets, worked closely with South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) and local indigenous forces, such as the Civilian Irregular Defense Groups (CIDG) and Regional Forces (RF), in Quang Tri Province.
   • Their primary mission was to train, advise, and assist these indigenous forces in conducting counterinsurgency operations against Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) units operating in the area.

2. Border Surveillance and Interdiction:

   • Special Forces teams were deployed along the border with North Vietnam and Laos to gather intelligence, conduct reconnaissance, and interdict enemy infiltration routes.
   • They operated in remote and rugged terrain, conducting long-range patrols to monitor enemy movements and disrupt supply lines.

3. Village Defense and Pacification:

   • Special Forces teams worked with local villages to strengthen their defenses, improve infrastructure, and provide medical assistance and humanitarian aid.
   • They played a crucial role in the pacification efforts aimed at winning the support of the local population and denying the enemy safe havens.

4. Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition:

   • Special Forces conducted reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines to gather intelligence on enemy troop movements, supply routes, and base areas.
   • They identified targets for airstrikes, artillery, and ground operations, helping to disrupt enemy operations and degrade their combat effectiveness.

Legacy: The US Special Forces' efforts in Quang Tri Province in 1971 were part of a broader strategy to support South Vietnamese forces and disrupt enemy activities along the border regions. While the Vietnam War ultimately ended with the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, the contributions of US Special Forces in Quang Tri and throughout Vietnam are remembered for their bravery, dedication, and professionalism.