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A Grateful Nation Remembers Those Who Served
“We see these men and know them once again – and know how much we owe them, how much they’ve given us, and how much we can never fully repay.” – President Ronald Reagan, Address at Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
While most American GIs in ‘Nam were carrying M16s, there were plenty others armed with 12-gauge shotguns. For countless Army and Marine grunts, Special Forces, Rangers, and Force Recon on jungle patrols and hamlet-clearing operations, Navy SEALs and Riverine sailors, Military Policemen and many others, the shotgun’s devastating, close range lethality made it their weapon of choice. Nothing else would do the job with the deadly efficiency of nine lead pellets of “double ought” buckshot blasting out more than a thousand feet per second. And a quick pump of the action instantly brought more if needed.
Not every soldier in Vietnam carried a shotgun, but many of those who did were the men who looked danger dead in the eye. They walked point on deep recon patrols through the elephant grass, along the rice paddies and in the jungle. They were on the streets of Hue City and other cities, and patrol boat crew members on the Mekong Delta who stopped suspicious boats, boarded barrel-first… and when it was necessary to shoot, they were ready. That was the beauty of a combat shotgun. While there were plenty of weapons in the field that could fire farther and faster, nothing packed a wallop up close like a 12-gauge pump-action, and the sound of an American soldier racking a round into the chamber signaled danger to enemy soldiers.
Honoring Those Who Answered the Call to Serve
Our nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War spanned three decades and it’s estimated that more than 2,500,000 Americans served in Vietnam. More than 58,000 lost their lives and another 365,000 were wounded. Those staggering numbers remind us that Vietnam veterans deserve to be remembered with respect, admiration, and gratitude.
As the United States officially marks its observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, we are proud to honor all those who answered the call to duty. We owe an enormous debt to all those who served. Many were injured in combat, and some were captured and served time in POW camps. Too many brave warriors lost their lives or are still listed as missing-in-action, but we can come together as Americans to salute this entire generation of members of the U.S. Armed Forces who sacrificed and served with honor and courage.
We are extremely proud to introduce the Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Shotgun, issued exclusively by America Remembers. This Tribute is a working Remington 870 shotgun, transformed into a spectacular Tribute honoring service in Vietnam. Craftsmen commissioned specifically by America Remembers decorate each working shotgun in sparkling 24-karat gold artwork. Issued in a limited edition of 500, this handsome presentation firearm honors all those who answered the call and fought for freedom in Vietnam.The right side showcases a soldier and his shotgun with a Huey helicopter in the background. The soldier on the far right is pictured leading his patrol through the thick jungle. Just below the ejection port, a banner reads: “Remembering Those Who Served” honoring all the brave warriors who served and sacrificed when our nation called. Also featured is a detailed Southeast Asian dragon (shown on full-size image of shotgun). In the Vietnamese culture, dragons represent prosperity, power, and nobility.
On the left side of the receiver, you’ll find a logo in the center marking 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. Behind the logo, a banner reads “A Grateful Nation Remembers.” To the left of the logo, you can see two soldiers with combat shotguns at the ready as a Huey helicopter disembarks troops in a landing zone. The next scene shows a river patrol boat (PBR) cruising along the Mekong Delta.
The Close-Range Weapon of Choice – A Trusted Companion
If you ask the men who fought in Vietnam, most will remember seeing a shotgun. Shotguns weren’t as commonplace as the M14, M16, or Colt .45 pistol, but the combat shotgun served a vital purpose. If you ask the men who carried and counted on them, they’ll tell you they depended on their shotgun in many difficult situations. They were a trusted firearm for men who had to engage the enemy at close range. Because most of the shotguns used during the war are no longer in production (including the actual Vietnam-era Remington), we chose a Remington 870 shotgun that is similar to shotguns used in Vietnam.
The version of the 870 (Remington 870 Police) selected for this Tribute is the same Remington pump-action currently used by many U.S. law enforcement officers. Its design is very similar to the Ithaca 37, one of the most widely-used combat shotguns in Vietnam. During the war, Remington 870s gained a reputation for being dependable and easy to break down. In an environment as harsh as Southeast Asia, there’s no doubt that soldiers valued such an easy-to-maintain weapon.
Its only job was to serve faithfully and defend the life of the soldier who carried it, but today we’ve transformed this historic firearm into a showpiece honoring the legacy of all those who served in Vietnam. In every phase of its conception, design and execution, and in every aspect of its finish, we have held fast to the goal of creating a powerful tribute to those who fought in Vietnam.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
Only 500 of the Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Shotguns will ever be produced. Reservations will be accepted in the order they are received. Order now and we will arrange delivery of your working Tribute Shotgun through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. As always, you will receive your Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Shotgun with our 30-day guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original, unfired condition for a complete and courteous refund.
The warriors who served with valor in Vietnam deserve their place in history. When the nation called, they answered. They didn’t hesitate to put their lives on the line and gave everything in defense of our liberty and freedom. As a nation, we owe them a long overdue thank you. Whether you are a veteran, who answered the call to duty, or if you want to honor or remember your father, husband, brother, or other family member who served in Vietnam, the Vietnam 50th Anniversary Tribute Shotgun is sure to become a cherished addition to your collection.