Original Item: Lighters could be customized with regimental cyphers and engravings, and were purchased by GIs returning home as a memento of their military service in the specific theatre of operation.
Excellent vintage ZIPPO style windproof lighter circa 1965 made by KONWAL of Japan. This model is called the KONWAL “SUPER”.
Thirteenth Air Force is a United States Air Force “Component-Numbered Air Force” (C-NAF) and war fighting headquarters in Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). It is headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
13th AF has never been stationed in the continental United States. It is one of the oldest, continuously active, numbered air forces in the United States Air Force. As the Vietnam War escalated during the late 1960s and early 1970s, 13AF again served as a staging base and logistics manager for units fighting in Southeast Asia. As more American aircraft and people were poured into the war effort, combat units and facilities under 13AF in Thailand increased. At its peak, 13th AF has never been stationed in the continental United States. It is one of the oldest, continuously active, numbered air forces in the United States Air Force. 13AF was composed of seven combat wings, nine major bases, 11 smaller installations and more than 31,000 military members.