Messages from Zippo lighters of American soldiers in Vietnam

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VietnamNet English - 10 month(s) ago 13 readings

VietNamNet Bridge – Zippo lighters are an inseparable tool of many American soldiers in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. They are not only lighters but also “ambassadors” that unveil deep messages of soldiers.

Through lines carved on Zippo lighters, one can understand the feeling of soldiers. Some of them express their fear of death and their love and fond remembrance of their families. Some others showed their hate of their enemy or indignation against their government. But some soldiers had a humorous attitude to the fierce war.

Hereafter are pictures of Zippo lighters of American soldiers in Vietnam. The pictures come from the website of a Zippo lighter collector.

"Who ever may rend (read) this will see that there is no other but one girl for me and her lovely name is Beverly Dennington. I love her very very much".

"To Mom from a lonely paratrooper Tony".

When I die bury me face down so the whole world can kiss my ass".

"Vietnam 71-72, Why, Me".

"We the unwilling led by the unqualified to kill the unfortunate die for the ungrateful"

"Nha Trang - Vietnam 68-69"

"Chu Lai - Vietnam 70-71"

"You have never lived till you've almost died for those who fight for it. Life has a flavor. The protected will never know". "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I fear no evil for I'm the evildest son of a bitch in the valley".

"Fighter by the day. Lover by night. Drunkard by choice. Marine by mistake".

Compiled by Thanh Ha