What are the Rarest WWII USMC Patches

[teufelhunde.ret]

VMSB-331 Scout Bombing Squadron patch Sold on ebay 6.29.10 for $960.

 

The squadron was known as the “Doodlebugs” and “Bumblebees”. Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 331 (VMSB-331) was formed on January 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. On June 1, 1943, the squadron's personnel and aircraft were divided to form VMSB-332. Also in June of that year they were moved and became the first squadron to arrive at Bogue Field, North Carolina . This was followed by a move to San Diego in September to prepare for movement to the South Pacific. The squadron deployed overseas, finally arriving at Nukufetau on November 15, 1943 They operated from that island during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. On November 30, 1943 they sent a detachment to Tarawa to aid in patrol operations until December 26, 1943. In October 1944, the squadron was redesignated Marine Fighter Bomber Squadron 331 (VMBF-331) but they reverted back to VMSB-331 on December 30, 1944. The squadron remained the Pacific and carried out air strikes against by-passed Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands for the remainder of the war. Following the war, VMSB-331 returned to the United States in October of 1945 and were deactivated quickly thereafter on November 21, 1945

 

[teufelhunde.ret]

WORLD WAR II MARINE CORP VMF 211 SQUADRON POCKEt PATCH. Sold on ebay 6.29.10 for $229.

 

VMA-211 can trace its lineage to January 1, 1937 when Marine Fighting Squadron 4 (VF-4M) was activated at Naval Air Station San Diego, California. Although it was the second time a VF-4M had existed, the previous one was decommissioned in 1931 and it was not considered the same squadron. The squadron was decommissioned in 1933 but was recommissioned as VF-8M in 1935. On July 1, 1937 VF-8M was re-designated Marine Fighting Squadron 2 (VMF-2) and by the end of the year, had completely reequipped with Grumman F3F-2s which replaced F3F-1s and a few even older F2F-1s. The squadron participated in annual Fleet Problems while at San Diego and even played a part in the making of the movie "Dive Bomber." Several future Medal of Honor recipients served with the squadron during this period, including Henry Elrod, Robert Galer, and Gregory Boyington. In January 1941, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii and was re-designated VMF-211 on July 1, 1941.

 

In November 1941, VMF-211 flew 12 of its 24 Wildcats and 13 of its 29 pilots aboard the USS Enterprise for movement to Wake Island, the scene of the squadron's heroic battle. On December 8, 1941 the Japanese attacked, destroying seven of the 12 aircraft on the ground. In the next two weeks, the remaining five planes repelled numerous attacks and inflicted great losses on the enemy. During the course of the defense, the Marine ground forces and VMF-211 caused the loss of at least four enemy warships, the first major Japanese naval vessels sunk during the Pacific war, and the squadron was credited with 8 aircraft destroyed. After the loss of its last aircraft, the squadron became a ground unit and fought until the surrender of atoll. The first Marine airman to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II was VMF-211's Henry T. Elrod. A planned operation to reinforce Wake Island was deemed too dangerous by the fleet command, and on December 23 Wake Island was finally overrun by a numerically superior enemy.

 

The squadron's rear echelon at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa lost all but one of its twelve F4F-3s during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and even this lone survivor was lost when it was transferred to the Navy. Slowly rebuilding as personnel and aircraft became available, the squadron, now under the command of Major Luther S. Moore was deployed in May 1942 to Palmyra Atoll in the South Pacific and adopted the name "Avengers" in memory of those squadron members who were killed or captured on Wake Island. When first deployed, VMF-211 was equipped with the Brewster F2A-3 and it was not until July that sufficient numbers of Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats became available to re-equip the squadron. As the Pacific Campaign continued the squadron transitioned to the F4U Corsair for the remainder of the war. VMF-211 participated in the Treasury-Bougainville Campaign, Battle of the Bismarck Sea, Northern Solomon, Battle of Leyte Gulf and Southern Philippine campaigns.

 

 

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[teufelhunde.ret]

VMF 121 Fighter Squadron patch Aussie made original. Sold on ebay 6.29.10 for $1691 bucks!

 

Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) was activated on June 24, 1941. The Green Knights began combat operations flying the F4F Wildcat and later the F4U Corsair as charter members of the Cactus Air Force and throughout the Battle of Guadalcanal. The squadron also fought from the forward air bases of Espirito Santo, Turtle Bay, Bougainville, and Emirau. On September 15, 1944, the Green Knights landed on Peleliu and fought there until July 25, 1945. They returned to the United States on board the USS Lookout (YAGR-2) to be deactivated on September 9, 1945. During the Pacific War, VMF-121 produced fourteen fighter aces, more than any other squadron, including Medal of Honor recipient, Major Joseph J. Foss. VMF-121 downed 208 Japanese aircraft (165 flying Wildcats and another 44 flying Corsairs) in aerial combat.

 

After WWII, the squadron was reactivated at United States and Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois where the squadron's designation was changed to Marine Attack Squadron 121 (VMA-121). During this time they flew a variety of aircraft including the F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat and A-1 Skyraider.

 

[teufelhunde.ret]

VMF 122 Fighter Squadron patch. Ausssie made original. Sold on ebay 6.20.10 for $2213.

 

Marine Fighter Squadron 122 (VMF-122) was commissioned on March 1, 1942 at Camp Kearny in San Diego, California. Outfitted with the F4F Wildcat, the squadron, then known as the "Candystripers", saw their first combat tour in October 1942. During this tour they were part of the Cactus Air Force at Henderson Field and also operated out of Espiritu Santo. In April 1943, while under the command of Major Pappy Boyington, the squadron transitioned to the F4U Corsair and accounted for 35 1/2 kills. The squadron's first combat tour ended on July 23, 1943 after which they returned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on August 16. For the next year after their return to the States, the squadron was reorganized and retrained at Marine Corps Air Station El Centro, California.

 

For its second tour, VMF-122's flight echelon embarked upon the escort carrier USS Hollandia in July 1944 while the ground echelon steamed out on the USS Tryon. Beginning in October 1944 both echelons would be reunited when they were reunited and began operating from an airstrip on Peleliu. At times they provided close air support for Marines during the Battle of Peleliu at distances of just over 1000 yards from where they took off. The squadrons ability to provide napalm and rockets, both new weapons systems, greatly aided in the destruction of the last Japanese strongholds on the island. For the remainder of the war they remained on the island conducting combat operations until August 1945.

 

Following the surrender of Japan, VMF-122 returned home to Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station Oak Grove, North Carolina in January 1946. They remained there for less than two years before being moved to MCAS Beaufort which was followed by another move to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

 

[teufelhunde.ret]

USMC VMB-423 Marine Squadron Patch. Sold on ebay (seller:wings-patches) 7.4.10 for $766.

 

VMB-423 was commissioned on 15 September 1943 at Cherry Point, NC. In October 1943 squadron was transferred to Edenton, NC, and upon completion of training, departed for El Centro, CA in December 1943, arriving on 3 January 1944. The ground echelon embarked and sailed aboard the USS Hammondsport, arriving at Espiritu Santo 11 March 1944. Sailing with their aircraft aboard the USS Prince William, the flight echelon arrived and rejoined the ground echelon one month later. My middle of May 1944 the flight echelon was operating from Sterling Island but was transferred on 21 June 1944 for Green Island to rejoin the ground echelon which had arrived from Espiritu Santo. Over the next year, VMB423 carried out both daylight and nighttime attacks against targets on New Britain and New Ireland and provided close air support strikes for Australian troops on Bougainville. By middle of June 1945 squadron redeployed northward and was operating from Emirau. On 10 August 1945, the squadron was once again reassigned northward to Malabang in the Philippines, arriving on 16 August 1945, just as war ended. VMB-423 was decommissioned at Miramar, CA on 30 November 1945 following the squadron's return to the United States.

 

Commanding Officers:

Lieutenant Colonel John L Winston 15 Sep 1943 - 18 Jul 1944

Lieutenant Colonel Norman J. Anderson 19 Jul 1944 - 15 Aug 1945

Lieutenant Colonel Louis L. Frank 6 Aug - 30 Nov 1945

 

Awards: American Campaign; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign w/2 bronze stars, and; World War II Victory.

Aircraft Operated Overseas: PBJ-1D, and; PBJ-1J.

Aircraft Loses: 7 Operational; 3 Combat.

 

[teufelhunde.ret]

WORLD WAR II MARINE CORPS VMF 211 SQUADRON PATCH. Sold on ebay 7.8.10 for $535.

[jpstout]

CLARIFICATION RE: Jun 30 2010, 10:28 AM Post #203 WORLD WAR II MARINE CORP VMF 211 SQUADRON POCKEt PATCH. Sold on ebay 6.29.10 for $229.

 

This VMF 211 patch, advertised as WWII, IS actually POSTWAR(1946). I queried the EBAY seller because of the patch construction and received the answer "Our military expert is on vacation". Boy, I'll say he was! The WWII patch is embroidered on wool and Australian made (see 1st patch original from rarepatchman's site). Postwar VMF 211 is Chinese made with a least 2 versions. The above TOPIC referenced patch has a design ~ to the WWII version but Chinese made and I am assuming silk on this one without having in hand (see 2nd patch below). The third patch below is similar Chinese made patch sold a couple of years ago for reference. The last patch is Chinese made, but with altered design and looks to be a later 2nd version, coming out of grouping I believe sold by rpm. I do not collect Postwar USMC aviation, although I am enticed to start going down that slippery slope every year. Any postwar USMC aviation patch collectors please correct me or chime in! Hope this is helpful .....jpstout

[teufelhunde.ret]

USMC VMB 621 Bombing Sqdn. Sold on ebay 7.12.10 for $1122.

 

The Squadron's web site: http://www.vmb613.com/deployment.htm

 

 

[jpstout]

VMF 121 US Embroidered: WWII patch recently sold on Ebay. NICE example!!! :w00t: Reference DonL father's US embroidered patch Post #169; reference post#206 for Aussie version. regards, jpstout

 

VMF 121 US embroidered: Reverse.

[jpstout]

VMF 124 2nd Design US Embroidered: Recently on and off Ebay (Not Sold). NICE!!! :drool2: Obverse and reverse. This is the one used in Millstein's book.

 

VMF 124 2nd Design US Emb: Reverse.

[teufelhunde.ret]

VMF-115 Squadron patch. Sold on ebay 7.31.10 for $537.

 

Marine Fighting Squadron 115 (VMF-115) was organized on July 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California, as a F4U Corsair squadron. One of the Marine Corps most famous aces, Major Joseph Foss assumed command 16 days later. The squadron gained the nickname "Joe's Jokers", and in May 1944 joined the Pacific campaign. VMF-115 was a contributor to the American victory in the Philippines providing close air support, fighter cover, and deep air strikes in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. With over 18,000 flight hours during 5,856 combat sorties, VMF-115 was credited with shooting down 6 1/2 enemy aircraft while losing 28 aircraft with nine pilots killed in action.

 

To protect U.S. interests after the war and support Marines supervising the surrender of Japan, the squadron deployed to Peking, China. Communist troops began patterns of hostility leading to convoy coverage and "air presence" missions. 31 months after initial deployment, VMF-115 left the Pacific theater.

 

[teufelhunde.ret]

Linen and felt version WWII USMC 1st MAC Parachute Battalions Shoulder Patch. Sold on ebay 8.1.10 for $635.

 

[teufelhunde.ret]

VMO-4 Marine Observation Squadron Patch. Sold on ebay (wings-patches) on 8.2.10 for $776

 

The Squadron's history fom 1920 on: http://www.usmc.mil/news/publications/Docu...000308700_1.pdf

 

 

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[teufelhunde.ret]

Disney designed WW2 USMC VMF 513 Squadron Patch. Sold on ebay (rarepatchman) 8.11.10 for $1136.

 

Marine Attack Squadron 513 was first commissioned as VMF-513 on February 15, 1944 at Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Walnut Range, Arkansas in September 1944. December of the same year, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California where it was re-designated VMF(CVS)-513. On June 15, 1945, VMF(CVS)-513 departed San Diego, California, aboard the USS Vella Gulf (CVE-111) and participated in carrier operations in the Pacific, making stops in Ewa, Enewetak, Saipan, and Guam. In addition, they provided close air support for the 3rd Marine Division during the Battle of Okinawa, Japan.

 

 

Squadron photo at Oak Grove June 1944.

[teufelhunde.ret]

Disney designed WW2 USMC VMF 512. Sold on ebay (rareparchman) 8.11.10 for $1000.

 

VMF-512 was initially formed in February 1944 as part of Marine Aircraft Group 51 (MAG-51). The first CO was Maj. Edward Finn but on March 17, 1944 Maj. Blaine Baesler took command, a position he held until the end of the war. MAG-51 was formed January 1, 1944 and shortly thereafter the 4 fighter squadrons VMF-511, 512, 513 and 514 were commissioned. After a few months MAG-51 was augmented by VMO-351, another fighter squadron recently converted from observation duties (it retained the VMO designation for a while). These 5 squadrons were part of a larger scheme to attack the German V-1 sites in Europe, Operation Crossbow.

 

VMF-512 was equipped with Corsairs and first based at the Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Facility (MCAAF) in Oak Grove NC, a newer outlying field of the larger air station at Cherry Point NC. The base was also known as New Bern, but the pilots referred to it as Pollocksville so that's what it will be called here. The 40 or so pilots were a mix of newly commissioned 2nd lieutenants and veterans who had seen action in various campaigns in the Pacific.

 

Meanwhile in the Pacific, in late July 1944, Gen. A.A. Vandegrift, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, met with Adm. Chester Nimitz over a subject of special interest to the Marine Corps, namely, the conviction that Marine air forces should support Marines on the ground. The Marines wanted close air support units on carriers. Adm. Nimitz agreed and some of the new Commencement Bay class of escort carriers (CVEs) were allocated to the task. Each all-Marine CVE was to have a 12 plane TBM squadron and an 18 plane F4U fighter squadron. The MAG-51 Marines were reassigned to this mission.

 

In September '44 VMF-512 and MAG-51 group headquarters moved to Mojave California which became the Marines center for F4U carrier training. In October 1944 it was designated as a carrier squadron and the squadron designation was modified to VMF(CVS) to denote they were specially trained for carrier duty and close air support. (Similarly, VMTB-143 became VMTB(CVS)-143.) The designation was changed back to just VMF-512 on May 26, 1945. By the end of the war there were 4 all-Marine escort carriers: USS Block Island CVE-106, USS Gilbert Islands CVE-107, USS Cape Gloucester CVE-109 and USS Vella Gulf CVE-111. All 4 of their fighter squadrons came from MAG-51. More about their Pacific action and squadrom members can be found here: http://www.adamsplanes.com/VMF-512.htm

 

 

VMF 512 in 1945

 

VMF-512 in 1945

[jpstout]

VMTB 132 "CRYING RED ASSES" American Chenille; Designated Nov 1944 and Deactivated Nov 1945: This particular patch belonged to LT Wright who flew the TBM-3 and then the F4U-4 in VMF 223. regards, jpstout :thumbsup:

[jpstout]

VMF 124 CHECKERBOARD 3rd Design Patch AMERICAN EMBROIDERED ON TWILL: This is a seldom seen, about as late war as you can get patch (except maybe for the VMF 311 American Embroidered patch) that I obtained in a pilots grouping. regards, jpstout

REFERENCE posts#213 &214 for 2nd Designed VMF 124 Patch.

[teufelhunde.ret]

VMTB 132 "CRYING RED ASSES"

The squadron was designated as Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 (VMSB-132) on July 1, 1942. At the outbreak of World War II, the squadron and its 19 SBD Dauntless dive bombers were stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia as part of Marine Aircraft Group 11.

 

VMSB-132 left the United States on October 13, 1942 from San Diego aboard the USS Mumu. At the time of their departure the squadron consisted of 27 officers, 245 enlisted men and a few attached Navy personnel. They landed landed in Noumea, New Caledonia on October 28. On October 30, 1942, VMSB-132, under the command of Major Louis Robertshaw, landed at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. Upon arrival, they became part of the Cactus Air Force and fought during the Battle of Guadalcanal until December 1942 when they were relieved by VMSB-233. The squadron’s pilots and gunners left the island on December 24, 1942 and arrived in Sydney, Australia for leave on New Year’s Eve. After resting, reorganizing, and retraining, they then moved to Espiritu Santo where they were met by their ground echelon in January 1943. During this time, they became part of the Strike Command of the 13th Air Force, responsible for attacking nearby enemy bases and shipping and giving what was then considered close support to front-line units. The squadron returned to Guadalcanal in June 1943 and flew missions from there until their return to the States on October 26, 1943.

 

Early in the summer of 1944, the squadron was reorganized and in training at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro as part of Marine Base Defense Air Group 41. On October 14, 1944, the squadron was once again redesignated, this time as VMTB-132. They received their first TBF Avengers in November of that year. The squadron traing at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California from December 15, 1944 until January 16, 1945. They remained in training until they embarked on board the USS Cape Gloucester on May 21, 1945.[6] They arrived in Leyte on June 29, 1945 and operated in the East China Sea during July and August 1945.

 

Following the war, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii where they were deactivated on November 9, 1945. The Sqdn received the Presidential Unit Citation for Guadalcanal/Tulagi (August 7 – December 9, 1942)

And Major Joseph Sailer Jr. was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal from 10–15 November 1942

[teufelhunde.ret]

VMF 124 CHECKERBOARD 3rd Design Patch AMERICAN EMBROIDERED ON TWILL

VMF-124 was formed on September 2, 1942 at Camp Kearney, San Diego, California. They were declared fully operational on December 28, 1942 even though the squadron’s pilots had only an average of 25 hours each in the plane. They arrived on Guadalcanal on the morning of February 12, 1943 led by their commanding officer, Major William Gise. The squadron flew their first mission before lunch that day, with twelve F4Us escorting a PBY Catalina on a 230 mile mission to pick up two downed pilots at Sandfly Bay, Vella Lavella.

 

The first F4U pilot to be decorated with the Medal of Honor came from VMF-124 — 1st Lt Kenneth A. Walsh for a mission on August 30, 1943, during which he shot down four Japanese Zeros before ditching his borrowed Corsair. The squadron remained in the Solomon Islands until September 1943, fighting over the Russell Islands, New Georgia and Vella Levella.

 

Kenneth A. Walsh, USMC (1916-1998); fourth-ranking Marine Corps ace in World War II; Medal of Honor recipient

 

Squadron logo from World War IIFollowing the fighting in the Solomons, the squadron was disbanded and reconstituted back in the United States where it trained in the Mojave Desert at Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield Mojave for the next year.When they received their orders for carrier assignments they had 5 combat experienced pilots as their training nucleus. VMF-124 left the States again on September 18, 1944, heading to Hawaii. While in Hawaii they were attached to Navy Air Group 4 who were operating off the USS Essex (CV-9). Along with VMF-213, 124 became the first Marine squadron to be based on an aircraft carrier. While deployed aboard the Essex, they took part in fighting over Lingayen, Luzon, Formosa, Tokyo, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. On January 3, 1945 VMF-124 and VMF-213 struck Formosa and the Ryukyu Islands in the first Marine land strike off a carrier

[bobgee]

Here's a rare USMC patch for VMF-224 done in chenille. Given to me years ago by a Corsair pilot who is credited with 1 1/2 victories over Okinawa in 1945. Note the CBI patches and the silk Blood Chit which were issued to these USMC pilots as they flew missions over Formosa and the China coast. R.I.P. Marvin! Semper Fi.........Bobgee

 

[teufelhunde.ret]

WWII VMB-443 SQUADRON PATCH. Sold on ebay 8.20.10 for $595.

 

VMB-443 was commissioned on 15 September 1943 at Cherry Point, NC. The squadron transferred to Peterfield Point, NC 20 October 1943 to continue training. During mid-January 1944 flight personnel and some of ground echelon went to Boca Chica, FL for torpedo and tactics training. Moving to El Centro, CA in February 1944, the squadron continued its training through mid-May before deploying to the Pacific. On 18 May 1944 the ground echelon sailed aboard the MS Brastagi from San Diego, CA for Emirau. Following their arrival on Emirau they were joined by the flight echelon on 13 August 1944. While on Emirau, VMB-443 participated in the neutralization of the Bismarcks, flying missions against Rabaul and other bypassed Japanese installations on New Britain and New Ireland. In August 1945 VMB-443 began movement to Malabang, Philippines, however they were not fully in place until after the war ended less than one month later. VMB-443 was decommissioned at Miramar, CA on 30 November 1945 following the squadron's return to the United States. http://www.vmb443.com/index.htm

 

[Adam Lewis]

Korean War patch of VMJ-1, from a pilot in the squadron. They flew the unarmed photo-recon version of the Banshee, F2H-2P.

Adam

[teufelhunde.ret]

WW2 - VMJ-3 Marine Squadron Patch. Sold on ebay (wings-patches) on 8.23.10 for $660.

 

Commissioned 1 October 1944 at the Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii as VMTD-3 to provide towing and tracking for Marine AA battalions which had been formerly performed by Navy Squadrons attached to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and operated in practice beach assaults with the 4th Marine Division. The squadron was redesignated VMJ-3 on 1 May 1945 at Ewa. In August 1945 the detachment was sent to Midway to tow for Marine defense battalions. Following the end of the war, the squadron returned to MCAS Ewa and was deactivated in October, 1945. The Squadron was re-activated in 1952 (3RD MAW in Miami) for the Korean Conflict as a Photo Recce outfit.

 

 

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[teufelhunde.ret]

Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314). Sold on ebay (rarepatchman) 9.1.10 for $1372.

 

Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314) was commissioned on October 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The squadron was originally given the nickname of, "Bob's Cats". The squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 32 (MAG 32) flying the F4U Corsair and began training immediately for combat in the South Pacific. In February 1944, the squadron, along with VMF-324, was among the first units aboard Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Field Kinston. They left MCAAF Kinston for the Pacific theater and arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa on June 18, 1944 and were reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 23, 3rd MAW. From there they deployed to Midway Atoll.

 

VMF-314 returned to MCAS Ewa in December 1944 and remained there until April 1945, when they moved to Ie Shima in May 1945 to take part in the Battle of Okinawa as part of Marine Aircraft Group 22 (MAG-22). During the ensuing campaign, VMF-314 pilots were credited with 11 kills and the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. After the surrender of Japan, VMF-314 moved to Kyūshū, Japan as part of the occupation force. VMF-314 returned to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in November 1945 and in March 1946 they arrived back at MCAS Cherry Point. For a short time they were re-assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 22 (MAG-22), 9th Marine Aircraft Wing but were decommissioned on April 30, 1947

 

[radmanpatches]

I was able to recently acquire these 2 different versions of the VMF-213. Is one of these versions more desirable than the other? Also, one has a "green back", similar to the Army patch type green backs. Just wanted to share.

Mark