Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A.

We are deeply honored to offer this extraordinary Vietnam War collection of dog tags, belonging to U.S. soldiers who were KIA (Killed in Action), WIA (Wounded in Action), declared MIA, or lost their dog tags in combat during the Tet Offensive. These dog tags, excavated from the battlefields, rice paddies, and combat zones of this historic offensive, remain in their original, uncleaned condition. Each sale of this collection supports the Wounded Warriors Project, with a percentage of proceeds donated in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during this conflict.

This Vietnam War dog tag, a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. soldiers, was recovered from the battlefields of the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. This collection primarily consists of U.S. Army, USMC, and Air Force dog tags, originating from units and divisions that endured intense combat during the offensive. These dog tags, deeply personal items carried by soldiers, were often lost during the chaos of battle or while receiving medical care at aid stations.

Many soldiers lost their dog tags under harrowing circumstances. Edward Liekis Jr. (Marines, 1967-68) and Spencer Zielenski (Army, 1969), for example, both had their boots and dog tags removed and discarded at medical aid stations after being wounded in combat. Similarly, Joseph Chernowas, injured during a mortar attack, recalls seeing flak jackets, bloody boots, and helmets strewn behind aid station tents as his own boot and dog tag were tossed aside.

Ronald Castonguay (Army, 1970-71) from Massachusetts lost his dog tags when medics removed his boots to treat his severe trench foot. Alfred Pergeau, a Marine, lost both of his dog tags when his squad was ambushed by an NVA division in Quang Tri in 1969. Another Marine, Chuck Manlove (1966-67), vividly recalls losing one of his reissued sets of dog tags while fleeing an NVA ambush near Hue. As he raced toward safety on an Amtrac, he shed his gear, including his dog tags, just three kilometers from the Ben Hai River in Dong Ha.

On January 30, 1968, communist forces from North Vietnam and the Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive, one of the most significant military operations of the Vietnam War. This surprise series of attacks during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, targeted over 100 cities and towns, including the southern capital of Saigon. Although initially overwhelming South Vietnamese and American forces, the offensive ultimately resulted in a catastrophic military failure for the communists, with historians estimating up to 50,000 communist casualties. American and South Vietnamese losses, while tragic, were considerably lower. Despite its military failure, the Tet Offensive was a turning point in the war, significantly altering public perception of the conflict.

Each dog tag in this collection is a tangible piece of history, preserving the legacy of the brave men who fought in one of the most pivotal battles of the Vietnam War. The collection comes with a hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and significance.