Does anyone know this USAF unit?

[Patchcollector]

I'm hoping that someone here can help me ID this patch.It came in the original Ace Novelty package,

and there is a 1963/64 calender inside,so that pretty much dates it.I got this years ago,found a website about it,

and now have forgotten the info about the patch and unit.There's a blue fox riding on a log with a volcano erupting

in the background.Any info would be much appreciated.

[Patchcollector]

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[Patchcollector]

I remember there was something about the "flying log",maybe having to do with the way the aircraft performed?Might this be the 18th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron?

Also,there was something to do about the blindfold as well.And the bomb.Maybe a Fighter-Bomber Squadron?

[QED4]

It is a Navy Squadron but for the life of me I can't remember which one nor can I find it. They were called the Blue Foxes and flew out of the Aleutians during WWII which is why the fox is blindfolded, because of the bad weather and zero visibility and he is riding on a flying gas tank. I can remember everything but the unit, but it should point you in the right direction.

[Patchcollector]

Thanks QED,yes,that does sound familiar,but for some reason I was thinking that the Fox was riding on a tree trunk! :lol: I also thought that they were an Air Force unit,

I guess because of the 18th TFS out of Alaska.I remember after reading online about the unit,I was puzzled,because the unit designation did not match the date on the calender

in the package.Now I'm beginning to wonder if this is even an Ace Novelty made patch,or did someone maybe place it in the package,as the package was already opened when I received the patch.

I sure would like to find that website again.

[Patchcollector]

Found it!!It is VPB-135!This patch dates from 1944-1948!!!!Here's some info:

 

 

 

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

 

Patrol Squadron 17F was established at FAB Seattle,

Wash., in 1937. The insignia submitted by VP-17 to the

Bureau of Aeronautics was approved on 16 November

1938. Since most of the squadron’s activities took

place in Alaskan waters, a lion seal was chosen as the

central figure. The outline

of the insignia was circular,

with the seal in the center

balancing a bomb on it

nose. Colors: outline of in-

signia, black; background,

white; seal, black; and

bomb, black. There were

no letters or numbers on

the insignia designating the

squadron.

The squadron’s first insignia

The original design was

used a seal, indicative of its

retained until VP-42 was

operations in Alaskan waters.

redesignated VB-135 in

1943. The squadron

members began the pro-

cess for requesting a

new insignia more in

keeping with their cur-

rent mission, but the

new design was not ap-

proved until 30 August

1944. Shortly thereafter,

the squadron was again

redesignated and the

new insignia was

In 1944 the squadron’s second in-

signia, the fox, was approved.

adopted by VPB-135. It

represented the blind flying common over Alaskan

waters and the Aleutians, while the cane was the radar

used to find the target. The Mae West indicated that

most of the missions were conducted over water.

Colors: field, bright orange circled in black; fox, blue,

outlined in black; tongue, red; tip of tail, white; Mae

West, bright orange with black letters; package of ma-

chine guns, white with black outlines and black mark-

ings; machine guns, white with black outlines and

markings; cane, black; flying gas tank, bright yellow

with black outlines and markings; bomb, jade green;

clouds, white outlined in black; volcano, royal blue

with white top; and corner of field, royal blue. This

design was retained when VPB-135 was redesignated

VP-ML-5 in 1946.

The fox theme was continued in the third version of

the squadron insignia when the VP-ML-5 became VP-5

in 1948. There was no record of the date the new in-

signia was approved. The design was circular, with a

central cartoon fox holding a sledgehammer in its

raised right fist, preparing to strike a periscope emerg-

ing from the Atlantic area of the northern hemisphere

of a globe.

[Bearmon]

I have not seen ACE patches on twill with cheese cloth before normally they ae fully embroidered and have the Ace Patch attached to the reverse side of the path. (if they are in new condition)

[Patchcollector]

Sorry about the text format,I got this from a PDF.Here's the site with a picture of the patch:

 

Click here

[Patchcollector]

Yes Bearmon,I have always seen the tag on the back too,this patch dates from 1944-48!!!!!It was a PBY unit that transitioned to the PV-1 Ventura.They flew combat OPS against Japan!!

[Teamski]

Sweet! Well done on the ID and patch!

 

-Ski

[Patchcollector]

Thanks everyone,for all the help! :bravo:

[Johnny Signor]

You beat me to the punch on the ID and yes it is correct ID at that , great find !

Johnny

[Patchcollector]

You beat me to the punch on the ID and yes it is correct ID at that , great find !

Johnny

 

 

Thanks Johnny!

[Patchcollector]

If possible,could one of the moderators please rename this thread "VPB-135 patch",and move it to the Navy patch section?