Vietnam War Vintage Zippo Lighter BIEN HOA 1964 A Co 501st Aviation Bn RATTLERS
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:179593 | Country of Manufacture: United States |
This Vietnam War genuine vintage early 1960's brushed chrome Zippo lighter PAT. 2517191 is in good condition with solid cam spring, excellent snap and nice click. Matched Zippo insert PAT. 2517191 has a clear flint tube, flint wheel sparks in top shape condition. In the front, it features "BIEN HOA 1964 VIETNAM", and inscribed US Army A Company 501st Aviation Battalion RATTLERS logo. In the back it reads: OURS IS NOT TO DO OR DIE OURS IS TO SMOKE AND STAY HIGH. Please view p...hotos for more details of this rare item.
History of this unit in Vietnam War: On 6 August 1964, the Third Aviation Company (AML) was activated and assigned to the Third United States Army for eventual movement to Vietnam. The Company was attached, for logistical and administrative support, to the Eleventh Air Assault Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. Major Lewis J. Henderson, Artillery, and Captain Curtis S. Crouch, Jr., Artillery, were assigned as CO and XO respectively. The Company received an equipment readiness date of 21 October, a personnel readiness date of 27 November and the APO of Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Pre-overseas leaves were given in early November. The Company departed Fort Benning on 27 November and arrived at Bien Hoa on 2 December 1964.Upon arrival in Vietnam, approximately 75% of the Company was infused with personnel from other companies of the 145th Aviation Battalion to equitably spread CONUS rotation dates. The Company was billeted in Bailey Compound at Bien Hoa with the 118th Assault Helicopter Company (The Thunderbirds). On 14 December, the Third Aviation Company (AML) was redesignated as Company A/501st Aviation Battalion. On 26 December, Lt. Col. Robert K. Cunningham, CO, 145th Aviation Battalion declared the Company operational.Prior to CONUS departure the Company and platoons selected call signs for use in Vietnam. Thanks to Captain Cliff Ohlenburger and his Alma Mater, St. Marys University San Antonio, Texas (The Rattlers) the Rattler call sign for the Company was chosen. Major Henderson's wife, Ramona, gets credit for the Firebird call sign (from Stravinsky's ballet). Captain Ohlenburger designed the Rattler emblem/patch for the Company and the Firebird for the gunship platoon. Captain Marvin Schwem originated the Esquire patch for the 1st lift platoon, Captain Jesse James the Phantom patch for the 2nd, Captain Ray Young the Snake Doctor patch, and Major Thomas E. Connell/Captain Billy W. Taylor the patch for the 151st Transportation Detachment.
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