Vietnam War era style U.S. Army Dog Tags (1954 to 1967).
Rolled edge down with debossed text and notch. Our notched tag replicas are made of thicker (0.02") and heavier (0.2 oz) stainless steel (not monel, although we do also offer brass).
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.
Explore more Army Dog Tags templates for
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.
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 the originals was.
- 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 shoe polish and then wiping the surface clean
- Our replica Notched Dog Tags are thicker (0.02") and heavier (0.2 oz) tags that more faithfully match original issue tags from the era.
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 Patent) which was used by field medics to quickly transfer the soldierβs 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".When were Dogtag silencers first used?
Original Dogtag silencers were 'home-made' by innovative G.I.'s during WWII by cutting the hose rings from discarded gas-masks. These 'home-made' latex rubber rings stretched and fit perfectly around their issued ID Dogtags and prevented them from 'clinking' together. See our irreverent video on the History of Dogtag silencers and their origin during WWII.What is Debossed lettering?
This method presses the letters into metal so that that they are sunken below the surface (indented) into the Dog Tag. They allowed for making carbon copies of the soldier's information for medical records with the M70 Addressograph discussed above. Sometimes the letters would darken over time as the result of an accumulation of dirt and grime, which actually made the tags easier to read. This effect can be replicated on newly made tags, essentially speeding up the process that time naturally does, by rubbing in black shoe polish, letting it dry for 30 seconds, and then wiping the surface of the tag with a cloth. We offer this as an add-on service if you don't want to do it yourself. Debossed text is indeed harder to read than modern embossed (raised) text which is why the military switched to using embossing in the 1970s. For ease of reading, many of our veteran customers or their families will choose to have tags made using modern embossed text, even though it is not historically accurate to the original tags they are recreating.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 free-form without using this template, or use our pen-and-paper mail/fax order form, or just send us an email with a description or 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 different chains and silencers on the following preview page.
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?
With the permission of the current owners of the originals, the military issued Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era) are shown next to our reproduction for comparison. Military bios and photos of the original dogtag owners are displayed when available.
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 60βs 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.
Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era) Photos
Vietnam War Era Dog Tags Accessories
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More About Army Dog Tags 1954-1967 (Vietnam War Era)
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.
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 veteran family members who served in the military with a recreation set of replica Dog Tags to match their originals.
Military Family Dogtags
Is one of your relatives in the military? Support your soldier with a Military Family Dogtag.
Not to be used for impersonation!
Not only is Stolen Valor unethical and disrespecful to our service members and veterans, it IS illegal in most jurisdications to impersonate a member of the armed forces. Unlike Military ID Cards, dogtags are not a valid form of official military identification so it is not illegal per se to wear them. However lying about military service or trying to pass yourself of as a service member or vet by wearing a uniform or medals that were not earned is criminalized in some circumstances, especially if done with the goal of obtaining money or other kinds of tangible benefits. Under no circumstances should dog tags be worn with this intent.
Giving back to Veterans
MyDogTag.com supports our military and veteran community by actively sponsoring Military, Veteran, and P.T.S.D. charities and organizations with free Dog Tags, often in memory and support of deceased and injured veterans and their families.
U.S. Military Dog Tags Frequently Asked Questions
Does the military still issue Dog Tags?
Are these real military Dog Tags?
Why do soldiers have 2 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?
Were civilians ever issued Dog Tags?
Were 'Military Brats' ever issued Dog Tags?
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 as per military specs, or use your own design 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!
See what our other satisfied customers have been saying!
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
