Step 5 of 7

Taking a bullet

Many army men were familiar with widely publicized stories of soldiers whose life had been saved by the US Army Zippo in their breast pockets, as they could stop a bullet. Versions of this story have continuously reappeared, often as part of advertisements.

In an offensive on the battlefield of World War II, US Army Sergeant Anthony was hit in the left chest by enemy fire. The bullet hit the Zippo lighter in the left breast pocket. The fuselage was damaged, but is saved Anthony's life. After the war, Zippo wanted him to send the lighter for repair, but Anthony regarded it as his savior and carefully preserved his damaged Zippo without having it repaired. Versions of this story have continuously reappeared, often as part of advertisements.