Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America
Date:
1969-1970
Caption:
This dog tag and can opener belonged to Spc. James Edward Brown II of the 20th Engineer Brigade. Brown received this dogtag when he started basic training in July 1969 at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. During the Vietnam War, Brown’s unit cleared jungles, paved roads, and built bridges to support American and allied forces.
Description:
A silver metal dog tag and P38 can opener, attached by bead chain, used by Spc. James E. Brown II (Delta Company, 31st Combat Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade) during the Vietnam War.
The dog tag is a rectangular shape with rounded ends, and letters stamped deeply into the metal. The tag is bent slightly towards one end. There are small dents and scratches throughout, and signs of wear around the suspension hole. The stamped letters read "BROWN/JAMES E/[social security number]/OPOS/BAPTIST."
Also attached to the bead chain by a shorter bead loop is a P38 can opener. Inscribed on one side is "U.S./MALLIN/SHELBY.O." The can opener is roughly rectangular in shape, with a hole on one corner for the suspension chain. There is a raised metal groove running down the length of the rectangle. One side has a small sharp half-moon indentation cut out of the edge. Below this indentation is a hinged, half-moon shaped tooth with a sharp curved upper edge. This section can lay flat against the larger rectangle of metal or swing open. The metal is stained and has some rust spots.
