[JRandomFreeper]

Maybe you can help me. Father in law left me a coffee cup that says US Naval Communication Station * Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam * on one side and VanGilder (family name) with 3 stipes, lightning bolts, and an eagle on the other side. He also left me a Zippo lighter with a shield (bend sinister) BJU on the banner, with a 13 on the upper right, and + and the symbol for a battery on the lower right.

He neither smoked or drank coffee (or other hot drinks). I've been looking for the symbolism behind these things, and wondering why I got them. I'm USAF, not a squid.

/john

[tbeatty]

Here's someone who might help you:

http://grunt.space.swri.edu/primm2.htm

The bottom of his page is:

Jim Syrdal is a Vietnam Veteran, and Vice President of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 550 in Chalmette, Louisiana. During his six years in the U.S.Navy, Jim spent 1970-1971, as an electronic technician at Naval Communication Station, Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. He is the author and editor for the Chapter 550 newsletter, from which this tribute to his friend Sonny is taken. Jim may be contacted at jims@communique.net

[oldsalt]

3 stipes, lightning bolts, and an eagle on the other side.

What you are describing is the rating insignia for an RM-1, that is a radioman, Petty Officer 1st Class,(E-6).

The other stuff sounds like unit insignia that I am not familiar with.

[dread78645]

with 3 stipes, lightning bolts, and an eagle on the other side.

Three stripes or chevrons ?
Sounds like the rate insignia for a Radioman 1st class.