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A Grateful Nation Remembers Those Who Served
For this historic 50th anniversary, America Remembers is proud to introduce the Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Pistol which honors those who served our nation.
Nothing about the Vietnam War was easy. It was a conflict that took place halfway around the world in a country divided by decades of bitter history. Front lines were blurred by dense jungles, rice paddies, thick mountain forests, and acres of swampy grasslands. The threat of ambush lurked on every patrol, within the cities and inside every remote village.
As the United States officially marks the observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we are proud to honor those who answered the call to duty. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who served with honor. We can never repay all of the brave warriors who lost their lives, and those who are still listed as missing-in-action. However, as Americans, we can come together to salute an entire generation of soldiers who sacrificed and served with honor and courage.
The Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Pistol, issued exclusively by America Remembers and authorized by the Army Historical Foundation. Today, the Army Historical Foundation is actively engaged in spearheading the new National Museum of the United States Army to honor all those who have faithfully served America to preserve and guarantee freedom.
For this historic Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Pistol, America Remembers selected a working Colt® Government Model®.45 ACP caliber pistol. Born for a combat role, the Colt .45 pistol was the classic military firearm of the 20th century, a favorite sidearm of America’s military from World War I through Vietnam.
Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers decorate each pistol in sparkling 24-karat gold artwork. This handsome presentation firearm captures the courage and sacrifice of all those who fought for freedom in Vietnam. This Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Pistol is a work of art in blued steel with both sides of the blued steel slide magnificently etched and decorated with 24-karat gold decoration, and blackened patina to highlight the details. Iconic scenes and images from Vietnam are set within stylized “bamboo” borders to frame the artwork. Bamboo is so associated with Vietnam that it was prominently featured on the Vietnam Service Medal, the U.S. Military award which was issued to recognize members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam.
On each side of the Colt .45 pistol, you’ll find artwork we commissioned commemorating the Vietnam War’s 50th Anniversary. Pictured inside the oval frame is an American soldier, the distinctive silhouette of Vietnam, and a pair of U.S. military helicopters. Also featured prominently on each side of the slide is an elaborately detailed Asian dragon. In Vietnamese culture, the dragon represents the prosperity and power of the nation and because of its association with Vietnam, the dragon was also a symbol on the Vietnam Service Medal awarded by the U.S. Armed Forces to those who served. As a final touch, all of the Tribute’s hardware has been handsomely polished and decorated in 24-karat gold, including the grip screws, slide stop, hammer, safety lock, and magazine catch.
■ The art on the right side begins with the banner: “Vietnam War – Remembering All Those Who Served.” It continues with an image of soldiers heading out on patrol across the Vietnamese countryside. Walking in single file was standard procedure to avoid mines and booby traps set by the enemy.
■ On the right of this Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Pistol, near the hammer, is the POW/MIA flag. The powerful flag instantly brings to mind the Vietnam War and those who served. The POW/MIA flag was officially recognized by Congress in 1990 “as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation.”
■ Beside those soldiers on the pistol is a scene that was a regular occurrence on the battlefields of Vietnam: a group of choppers touching down in the field. Throughout the conflict, thousands of helicopters filled the air with that familiar thwap-thwap-thwap sound of the rotors. For American soldiers, the sight and sound of an incoming chopper often represented help – much need medical evacuation, air support, or the arrival of reinforcements.
■ On the left side, near the hammer, is the iconic Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. The medal of the former country of South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) was established in 1966 and awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to all members of the United States military who completed at least six months of duty in Vietnam. The medal’s design features two superimposed six-pointed stars surrounding an outline of Vietnam with a flame at the center.
■ On the left side, a banner reads “A Grateful Nation Remembers”, a reminder that Americans are indebted to all those who served. Next to the banner, a scene portrays soldiers firing with an M-60 machine gun and M-16s, the standard issue rifle for infantrymen. Also featured is artwork depicting soldiers on patrol single-file through a rice paddy.
All the dedicated soldiers who served in Vietnam deserve an honored place in America’s history. When the nation called, they answered. They didn’t hesitate to put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom. As a nation, we owe them a tremendous amount of appreciation.
Optional Custom Made Display Case
An optional, high-quality display case was available for purchase. The locking glass lid protects against dust and unauthorized handling. The glass lid locks with a brass key, and the case liner is custom-contoured to securely hold the pistol in place.
The Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Pistol is issued by America Remembers® under license agreement with The Army Historical Foundation.
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