The towering granite tribute to fallen soldiers of a controversial war was the result of a design contest won by a 21-year-old college student.

Whether it’s a nostalgic Zippo carried by an American soldier or a dinged up helmet that’s survived many battles, here are 10 pieces of Vietnam War memorabilia that have gone up in value.

"Another thing that broke my heart was that there were a lot of babies, a lot of mothers, innocent people that were being killed," said Army vet Margarito Cardenas.