This Vietnam war genuine Year 1965 brushed chrome Zippo lighter PAT. 2517191 is in good condition with solid cam spring, strong hinge, excellent snap and sound click. Matching Zippo insert PAT. 2517191 has new wick and flint which sparks. It just needs Zippo fluid. In the front, it features inscribed "NHA TRANG AIR BASE 1965" and a USAF 14th Air Commando logo. In the back it reads: 

I LOVE THE

FVCKING ARMY

AND 

THE ARMY LOVES

FVCKING ME

Bottom of Zippo is marked: "  . ZIPPO  " which means lighter was made in 1965. Please view photos for more details of this vintage lighter. 

During the Vietnam War, the United States Air Force (USAF) established the 14th Air Commando Wing, later renamed the 14th Special Operations Wing (SOW), as part of its unconventional warfare efforts. Here are some key details about the USAF 14th Air Commando/Special Operations Wing:

  • Formation and Purpose: The 14th Air Commando Wing was activated in 1965, and initially stationed at Nha Trang Air Base in South Vietnam. Its primary purpose was to conduct special operations and unconventional warfare missions in support of counterinsurgency efforts.
  • Special Operations Capabilities: The 14th Air Commando/Special Operations Wing had a diverse range of specialized aircraft and units. These included helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and personnel trained in unconventional warfare tactics. They conducted various missions such as aerial reconnaissance, close air support, psychological operations, resupply, and combat search and rescue.
  • Aircraft: The 14th Air Commando/Special Operations Wing operated a variety of aircraft during the Vietnam War. Notable aircraft used by the wing included the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, C-123 Provider, AC-47 Spooky gunship, and UH-1 Huey helicopters.
  • Operation Shining Brass: One significant operation carried out by the 14th Air Commando Wing was Operation Shining Brass. This operation involved inserting small Special Forces teams deep into enemy territory to gather intelligence, disrupt enemy operations, and conduct unconventional warfare activities.
  • Later Redesignation: In 1968, the 14th Air Commando Wing was redesignated as the 14th Special Operations Wing to reflect its expanded mission scope and the changing nature of the conflict. The wing continued to conduct special operations throughout the remainder of the Vietnam War.

The 14th Air Commando/Special Operations Wing played a vital role in supporting counterinsurgency operations and conducting unconventional warfare during the Vietnam War. Its aircraft and personnel provided crucial support to ground forces and carried out a wide range of specialized missions.

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This Vietnam war genuine Year 1965 brushed chrome Zippo lighter PAT. 2517191 is in good condition with solid cam spring, strong hinge, excellent snap and sound click. Matching Zippo insert PAT. 2517191 has new wick and flint which sparks. It just needs Zippo fluid. In the front, it features inscribed "NHA TRANG AIR BASE 1965" and a USAF 14th Air Commando logo. In the back it reads:  Special Operations Capabilities: The 14th Air Commando/Special Operations Wing had a diverse range of specialized aircraft and units. These included helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and personnel trained in unconventional warfare tactics. They conducted various missions such as aerial reconnaissance, close air support, psychological operations, resupply, and combat search and rescue. Operation Shining Brass: O