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**AUTHENTIC VIETNAM WAR THEATER-MADE BRASS PRESENTATIONASHTRAY**
12th Tactical Fighter Wing — Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam(1968–1969)
Up for sale/sale is a highly collectible, personalizedpiece of US Air Force aviation history. This heavy, theater-made brasspresentation ashtray was custom-crafted for Lieutenant Richard J."Dick" Rybak (who later retired as a highly decorated USAFColonel).
Colonel Rybak flew over 200 combat missions in the F-4Phantom II during his deployment, survived being shot down by enemyanti-aircraft fire in 1969, and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Key Engravings & Inscriptions:
Top Rim: "12 TACTICAL FIGHTER WING / CAM RANHBAY / SOUTH VIETNAM"
Left Rim: "LT DICK RYBAK"
Right Rim: "DEC 68 - DEC 69"
Enameled Insignia Details:
This piece is exceptionally rare because all FOURmulti-color enameled organizational shields are completely intact, vibrant, andsecurely attached:
1. Center: 12th Tactical Fighter Wing Crest
2. Bottom Left: 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS)
3. Bottom Center: 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron(TFS)
4. Bottom Right: 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron(TFS)
Condition Report:
The piece is in excellent vintage condition. It features astunning, authentic aged patina that has been intentionally left unpolished topreserve its historical integrity. The enamel shields show incredible colorpreservation with no major chipping. There are zero structural cracks or deepgouges—just honest, period-correct wear.
This is a premier addition for any serious collector ofVietnam War militaria, trench art, or US Air Force fighter aviation history.
