Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

It was under the cushions of the sofa of the lounge of the bachelor’s Officers Quarters. I am not accustomed to seeking what may have been lost in different sofas, but in this case did discover this Zippo lighter while I was living there.

It was silver with the old U.S. Army Air Corps wings and propeller on the side and below that were the initials B. S. which coincidentally were my initials. I asked around among the current residents at the time, and no one claimed it, so I kept this lighter. Why am I writing about it now? Well, during this quarantine period, my wife and I watch a movie or two every evening. This recent few day we have been watching Band of Brothers which comes in six or seven different episodes.

During World War II, the troops were given packs of cigarettes with their rations. I am not sure the reason, but suppose it was an effort to help in the war effort. The longer-term effect was to get a lot of soldiers hooked on cigarettes.

I suppose if you have owned a Zippo Cigarette Lighter, you probably learned how to hold it in one hand and by pressing it firmly between your thumb and two fingers, be able to both open the top and grab the lighter before it falls. Just an amusement for someone with a lot of spare time.

The Zippo Lighters Limited Lifetime Warranty
Every Zippo Lighters product is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for the life of the owner. Zippo Lighters will repair or replace with a new item (at their option) any Zippo Lighters product that is defective.

Defects and repairs not covered under warranty:
Zippo Lighters does not warrant its products against normal wear or misuse. Products are not intended to be used as hammers, chisels, pry bars, or screwdrivers. If your knife or other item was damaged due to misuse, our repair department can analyze the damage and repair it for a reasonable fee. Just Sayin…RJS

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

I was in the Army in 1970 overseas and we also got a 5 pack of cigs in our c-rations. Every one had a zippo in those days, and we had all kinds of stuff carve on them. Nothing like over filling your zippo and feel your leg burning a few minutes later.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Still cary one.
The simplicity of the design is classic
Haven’t changed much since back in the day

Bigmark123

I watched that series and learned why my father wouldn't talk about it. He was an artilleryman from D-Day to the end. Fortunately the war didn't kill him or I wouldn't be writing this. He always had his Zippo. The cigarettes killed him in 1989 at age 72. Changing the subject kind of, I have a Mauser Luger with all matching numbers for sale for $4800.00 if anyone is interested. It is 1937 and perfect shape, all of the Luftwaffe markings. Sale can be handled through a FFL Dealer.

Bigmark .

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Yes, Since both my parents came from big families, and were the youngest, their older brothers and sisters also had large families, so I had a lot of older cousins who got to see Europe by walking all the way from The English Channel to Germany!

My wife has an aunt who was an U.S Army nurse and she landed a day or two later than D Day, and had been in North Africa before D Day. Here recently, she turned 100, but was also awarded a French Legion of Honor for her services both in North Africa and Europe! Can you imagine how many of those guys she patched up? just Sayin...RJS

ToMuch Loc: N E NE

I picked mine up from the store onboard CVN65 in 1987. The ship logo is painted on not engraved. Never used it. Still have it in little box of keepsakes. Tight lines

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Those Zippo lighters are made in Bradford, Pa. Toured the factory about 25 years ago or so. They’re also now making hand warmers much like the old Jonies but much more reliable.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

The c-rations from the sixties and seventies had cigarettes (generally Pall Malls) a pack of matches, a 2 count box of chiclets, a John Wayne can opener and a packet of a few sheets of toilet paper. Plus whatever meal the chef had prepared that day. All of these items could be used as cum shaw. Especially the cigarettes. Especially if you happened to be in a foreign country with access to Miss Kitty and her saloon girls.

"During World War II, the troops were given packs of cigarettes with their rations. I am not sure the reason, but suppose it was an effort to help in the war effort. The longer-term effect was to get a lot of soldiers hooked on cigarettes."


What? 'scuse me? Surely the point of view of an officer.

Rutinbuck Loc: Haysville, Kansas

Haven’t seen that CVN-65 in a long time. It was sitting in peril harbor. Just brought back memories.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

If you want to read the history of a great naval vessel, look no further than CVA(N)-65. Steel from this proud aircraft carrier will be recycled and used in the construction of CVN-80, the 9th, I believe, vessel to carry the name Interprise. We Are Legend.

She is berthed in Hampton Roads, waiting for the government to figure out what to do with her.

Rutinbuck Loc: Haysville, Kansas

I was never on the Enterprise but it is one massive ship. This ship was the longest aircraft carrier ever built. From the flight deck to the water it is at least 110 feet. Ya wouldn’t want to fall off, could ruin your day.

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

They gave us cigs because we all smoke in those days. Most of the cigs by 1970 were all the old non filter pall-malls, chesterfield, but they good when you were out. Plus they had salt , pepper, powder chocolate, better than a poke in the with a sharp stick

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

Anyone else have one of the smaller Zippo’s. I think I still have mine around here somewhere. Also had the regular one. How about the lighters that had the clear fuel tanks with the fishing flies in them?I think they were Ronson’s. Yes they did burn your leg if you over filled them. Left a big ol’ Rosie on your leg...😩🤣😂🐟on

Jack Pine Savage Loc: NW Wisconsin

After suffering many cherries on my thigh from over filled Zippos,I finally learned the appropriate way to fill them. After extracting the working part from the case,simply pull up the felt to expose where you would store extra flints,then fill til the fluid puddles. When reassembled,the felt completely absorb the extra fluid. Wa-lah! No more owies!