Vietnam War era style U.S. Army Dog Tags (1954 to 1967).
Rolled edge down with debossed text and notch. Our replicas are made of stainless steel (not monel).
Silencers can be optionally selected on order page.
To assist with making replica regulation Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era) we have created a template that automatically formats the information to the era-specific layout. Alternatively, if you have the original Dog Tags in-hand it may be easier to just recreate them directly on the Dog Tag Maker page, or just email us us a photo of them and we can do it for you.
Our Vietnam War Era Dog Tags set includes:
- 2 x Military grade debossed notched Dogtags
- 2 x Stainless Steel Ballchains
Why do people buy Vietnam era Dog Tags?
- Veterans order replacement sets of Dog Tags because they have lost their originals, they have been 'borrowed' by family members, or they want to give sets to their family as a memento.
- Family members and friends who want to create a little bit of history to celebrate and remember their loved ones.
- Veterans who never received Dog Tags (i.e. reservists).
- Historical re-enactors who are looking for period authentic uniforms.
Why do some Vietnam Era Dog Tags have notches?
The notch on the Dog Tag was there to align it on a handheld transcription machine (Model 70 Addressograph Patented) which was used by field medics to quickly transfer the soldierโs information onto paper medical forms or burial records. This is also the reason why Dog Tags in this era were debossed so that they became in effect the printing press to record information on paperwork using an ink ribbon. Notched Dog Tags were standard issue until December 1964 until the Department of Defense officially switched to Dog Tags without notches in early 1965. However, military bases with older notched-style tags in inventory still issued them for a while from 1965 up until 1966. Some soldiers colloquially refered to it as a "tooth notch".Are these authentic Vietnam Era Dog Tags?
- Our templates will help you make a set of tags that are true to the regulation formats of the period you choose, although there may be minor variations depending on how precise the person who made your originals was.
- Modern Dog Tags are thinner than those issued during Vietnam and because of the pressure of debossing there will be some curvature to your Dog Tags which is normal. The amount of text and its placement on the tag will influence how much curving occurs.
- We use an authentic DEBOSSED Dog Tag font similar to the old manually operated Addressograph machines where the letters are indented down into the metal. You can optionally make darker letters by rubbing in black show polish and then wiping the surface clean
Where can I research my relative's military records?
- Fold3.com
A premium comprehensive paid service (with Free Trial) covering a large span of period of wars and nationalities.
- National Archives Military Records
- National Archives Enlisted Records (1938-1946)
- National Archives Reserve Corps Records (1938-1946)
- eVetrRecs for Veterans and Next of Kin
- National Archives Veteran's Service Records Request
Request DD 214/ Separation Documents, Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), Replacement Medals, Medical and Health Records
Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era) Template Creator
Enter your info into the form below to easily create replica Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era). You can often find this information on DD 214 discharge papers. Watch this YouTube video for a demo. You can also design your tags without a template, or use our pen-and-paper mail/fax order form, or just send us an email with a photo of the original Dog Tags.
Overwrite the light grey text with your particulars and then click the Preview button. You can then make optional changes to your design (i.e. hole/notch location) or choose difference chains and silencers.
What is the Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era) format?
Our replica Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era) have Debossed (indented) text on a 2" x 1⅛" dull stainless steel notched Dog Tag, rolled edge down, hole on right with the suggested regulation format:
- [Last Name]
- [First Name] [Middle Initial]
- [Service Prefix][Service Number]
- [Blood Type]
- [Religion]
AR 606-5 released in Feb, 1956 specified that religion codes (i.e. C, P, H) were replaced with the soldier's religion fully spelled out (i.e. Catholic, Protestant, Jewish). Notched Dog Tags were standard issue until December 1964. The Department of Defense officially switched to Dog Tags without notches in early 1965. However, military bases with older notched-style tags in inventory still issued them for a while from 1965 up until 1966. The blood type Rh factor was not officially added until 1969 although it may have been optionally included (particularly in the USCG and USAF).
How do your replicas compare with the original Dog Tags?
1960's US Army - Private Ralph Bonvissuto
The tag on the left belonged to US Army Airborne Private Ralph Bonvissuto. The original tag was made made of white monel with debossed letters, and has the rare variation of the notch being on the bottom right. Our replica on the right is made of debossed 304 stainless steel with the notch on the bottom right (a feature which you can select on our website).
Private Ralph Bonvissuto served Army Airborne in the mid 60โs stationed in KY-TN.
Thank you Private Ralph Bonvissuto for your military service, we salute you!
Photos and history provided courtesy of his daughter Susan.
If you'd also like to share photos of Dog Tags and military service history of yourself or veterans in your family please Contact Us.
You may also be interested in our other historical Vietnam war Dog Tag reproductions from 1967-68, 1968-69, and 1969-74.
Here's how others are using their Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era):
Vietnam War Era Dog Tags Accessories
Other items related to Vietnam War Era Dog Tags:
P-38 Can Opener
Vietnam Vet Decal
U.S. MACV Patch
More Info About Vietnam War Era Dog Tags
The Vietnam War era was a time of change and Dog Tags were no exception.
During this period the notched Dog Tags of WWII and Korea were replaced a variation of the modern style still in use today.
Other gradual changes to Dog Tags between 1954 and 1974 included: replacing the army service number with Social Security Number, expanded religious designations, inclusion of blood Rh factor, removal of tetanus inoculation date, hole moving to the left side, and debossing with the rolled edge up instead of down.
U.S. Military Dog Tags Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues G.I. Military Dog Tags?
Are these real military Dog Tags?
Why are two tags issued in each set of Dog Tags?
Do soldiers have to wear Dog Tags?
Where can I find official specs for USA military Dog Tags?
Where can I find the official records to put on the Dog Tags?
Where can I research my relative's military records?
What is the evolution of US Army Dog Tags?
Were civilians ever issued Dog Tags?
Lost Dogtags
Are you a veteran who lost his Dog Tags years ago? We can make you a new set that look almost identical to your originals depending on when you served. We also offer a Veteran discount!
Memorial Keepsakes
Recreations of personal historical Dog Tags from specific war eras make sentimental souvenir mementos to honor the memory of a loved one. Commemorate your grandfather, father, or other family members who served in the military with a recreation set of replica dogtags to match their originals lost-in-time.
Military Family Dogtags
Is one of your relatives in the military? Support your soldier with a Military Family Dogtag.
About Dog Tags from MyDogtag.com
At MyDogtag.com, we provide premium quality Personalized Military Dog Tags for sale that will last a lifetime. They are completely customizable so you can easily order G.I. replica Dog Tags or for any other use or occasion. The tag starts as a blank canvas, what you put on it is entirely your choice... you aren't obligated to put official Military Dog Tag info on it. You also get to see a preview of what your finished Dog Tag set will look like before you even order it! We can even laser engrave your custom logo or image!
All orders are shipped within 1 business day and are usually delivered within 1 week (in North America). If you need any assistance creating or ordering your Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era) please contact us directly, we are here to help!
More Questions and Info about our Dog tags.
- What are the specs of the Dog Tags do you offer?
- What's the difference between Embossed and Debossed?
- What Chain sizes and fasteners are available?
- What are silencers for?
- Why do some Dog Tags not come with silencers?
- What can I put on my Dog Tags?
- What characters are allowed on my Dog Tag?
- How can I fit more characters on my Dog Tag?
- Do you make BRAILLE Dog Tags?
- Are these real military Dog Tags?
- Why are two tags issued in each set? Can I order only one?
- How do you make your Dog Tags?
- Are Dog Tags suitable for small children?
- What are the official specifications for USA Military Dog Tags?
- What are the official specifications for Canadian ID Discs?
- Where can I learn more about Dog Tags?
Still have questions? Please see our comprehensive FAQ
