Vietnam War Vintage Year 1967 Zippo Lighter SAIGON 1967 VIETNAM, US MACV Logo

Description: This Vietnam war genuine Year 1967 brushed chrome Zippo lighter is in good working condition with decent cam spring, strong hinge, and excellent snap. Zippo insert has new flint which sparks. It just needs Zippo fluid. In the front, it features inscribed " SAIGON 1967 VIETNAM " and a US Army MACV logo. In the back it reads: YOU ONLY LIVE TWICEONCE WHEN YOU'REBORN ANDONCE WHEN YOU'RELOOKED DEATH INTHE FACEBottom of Zippo is marked: " |||| ZIPPO ||| PAT. 2517191 " which means lighter was made in 1967. Please view photos for more details of this vintage lighter. In 1967, Saigon was the bustling capital of South Vietnam and the hub of U.S. military operations during the Vietnam War, with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) being at the forefront. MACV was the primary U.S. command structure overseeing all American military operations in Vietnam, with the goal of supporting South Vietnam's government and armed forces in their fight against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) insurgency.Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) The MACV headquarters was located in Saigon, overseeing a broad spectrum of activities ranging from direct military operations to advisory and logistical support. By 1967, MACV was under the command of General William Westmoreland, and it coordinated large-scale military operations, advised the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), and supported U.S. and allied forces stationed across the country.Key Events and Situation in Saigon, 1967 Strategic Role of Saigon:Saigon, a key logistical and political center, was home to not only the MACV but also the South Vietnamese government led by President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu. The city served as a vital hub for U.S. operations, and it was heavily fortified to protect it from attacks by the VC and NVA.U.S. bases, command posts, airfields, and logistics hubs were concentrated in and around the city, making it a target for enemy forces, especially during the Tet Offensive the following year (1968). Operation Cedar Falls (January 1967):In early 1967, one of the largest U.S. military operations of the war, Operation Cedar Falls, took place. Its goal was to eliminate the Iron Triangle, a stronghold of the Viet Cong located northwest of Saigon. Although successful in disrupting VC operations in the area, the enemy forces were able to reestablish their presence later.MACV oversaw and coordinated the operation as part of its broader counterinsurgency strategy, which aimed to pacify regions near Saigon and cut off VC strongholds. Escalation of the Air War:By 1967, the air war had escalated, with MACV coordinating Operation Rolling Thunder, the sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Although Rolling Thunder was primarily managed by the U.S. Air Force and Navy, MACV played a role in coordinating air and ground efforts across the country.Saigon was also a hub for airlift operations, with planes delivering troops, equipment, and supplies from major bases like Tan Son Nhut Air Base. Advisory Mission and Counterinsurgency:MACV was heavily involved in advising ARVN units and other South Vietnamese forces. U.S. advisors embedded within ARVN units helped guide strategy and tactics in the fight against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces.Counterinsurgency operations were a major focus, with pacification programs aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the South Vietnamese people. The Phoenix Program, initiated in 1967, was a controversial counterinsurgency effort aimed at neutralizing the Viet Cong infrastructure through intelligence gathering and targeted operations. Political and Social Tensions:In 1967, Saigon was marked by growing political instability, corruption, and social unrest. The South Vietnamese government faced increasing pressure from opposition groups, while many urban areas, including Saigon, saw an influx of refugees from the countryside due to the war.The American presence in Saigon also contributed to growing tensions. With thousands of U.S. personnel stationed in the city, Saigon’s economy became dependent on the U.S. military, which led to cultural and social changes, as well as some resentment from the local population. MACV Intelligence and Preparation for Tet:Throughout 1967, MACV continued to gather intelligence on the NVA and VC forces. Despite early signs of an impending large-scale attack, MACV was caught off guard by the scope and intensity of the Tet Offensive, which would begin in early 1968.Saigon itself became a battlefield during the Tet Offensive, with attacks on the U.S. Embassy and other key locations, underscoring the vulnerability of the capital despite MACV's efforts.Life in Saigon During the War While Saigon was the center of military operations, it was also a city under siege in many ways. The contrast between bustling urban life and the ever-present threat of war was striking. American and South Vietnamese soldiers walked the streets alongside civilians, with the sounds of helicopters and military convoys becoming part of daily life. Security Measures: U.S. and ARVN forces maintained high security in and around Saigon. Roadblocks, patrols, and fortified positions were common, with a heavy U.S. military presence at key installations like Tan Son Nhut and the U.S. Embassy. Cultural Influences: The influx of American personnel brought significant changes to the city, including the introduction of American culture, bars, clubs, and other forms of entertainment catering to GIs.Conclusion In 1967, Saigon was a city at the heart of the U.S. military’s operations in Vietnam, with MACV overseeing a range of military, advisory, and intelligence efforts to support South Vietnam in its struggle against the Viet Cong and NVA. Despite its role as a stronghold of American and South Vietnamese forces, the city remained under constant threat, as evidenced by the events leading up to the Tet Offensive in 1968.Worldwide shipment will be via USPS airmail with tracking information. International buyers are responsible for payment of any Customs fee upon item's arrival.For any unsatisfactory reason, item can be returned within 30 days for full refund of purchase price (less S&H fee). We gladly combine your winning items for a reduced postage fee. 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Price: 139 USD

Location: Midway City, California

End Time: 2024-12-05T13:11:02.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6 USD