ORIGINS of PATCHES

[Tex_Hill]

A4s,

You might try contacting Chuck & Mary over at the POW Network regarding that patch. They might be able to help you trace it to the exact unit.

MACVSOG was composed of SF units from every branch of the armed services.

 

[Fred]

Speaking of patches, I am desperately looking for a patch from VT-25 Cougars circa 1987. Anyone have any idea where to find one?

 

[HuggyU2]

.... AF patches need not apply.

You guys just can't stop, can you?

 

[Nose]

You guys just can't stop, can you?

It's like shooting fish in a barrel.

 

[phrogpilot73]

You guys just can't stop, can you?

But we still love you...

Just not your ascot...

 

[brownshoe]

You guys just can't stop, can you?

Now... what kind of a toy was that you flew? Where does the bomb go?

Steve

 

[A4sForever]

You guys just can't stop, can you?

Of course we can --- it's just that this is a NAVAL Aviation website --- and as the Army Air Corps (pretty interesting) is no longer alive and Air Force patches are really, really BORING .... we shall exclude AF patches .... yes???

 

[Mumbles]

Here is another retro VP patch...VP-1 still wears these on Fridays I believe. VPB-128 flew PV-2 Harpoons and sank a few German U-boats.

 

[HAL Pilot]

You guys just can't stop, can you?

If we did, that would just leave the Army. They aren't as fun to rag on as most of it just goes over their heads.

 

[phrogdriver]

Some of these patches are pretty interesting. It brings up the issue of "cruise" and "det" patches and other informal patches. While some are interesting, others are just attempts to "amp up" the traditional patches, and I think we lose some heritage as a result.

As an example, I'll give the "classic" and new HMH-461 patches.

Standing by for shitter bubba flames.

 

[HuggyU2]

OK, OK,... good points from all of you. "Boring" patches? Hmmm,... not sure I agree, but you might be right on some accounts. We DO get to see a lot of YOUR patches on the leather jackets that Naval Flyers wear: I'll bet you have to change the weight and balance due to all the patches on the old guys!
Although the Navy/Marines really do have some excellent patch designs, you've got some "unusual" ones too: remember the "Fightin' Escargot" or the recently retired "Screwbirds"? Shoot, the Navy even got P.C. by switching the direction the screw went through the screwbird.

I'm going to put on my ascot now and have a glass of wine.

 

[A4sForever]

..... I'm going to put on my ascot now and have a glass of wine.

Would that be a puce ascot and white wine??? Very nice ...

 

[Catmando]

... We DO get to see a lot of YOUR patches on the leather jackets that Naval Flyers wear: I'll bet you have to change the weight and balance due to all the patches on the old guys!
....I'm going to put on my ascot now and have a glass of wine.

Au contraire, mon (junior service) amie. And I'm an old guy.

Behold my original and still nearly pristine leather flight jacket, devoid of any patches, much less hefty ones. It was issued to me as an Ensign nearly a half-century ago, and worn often for many years.......... for warmth rather than fanfare.

Then behold my working nylon, 'poopie-suit' liner jacket, replete with only a very few patches. No needed weight & balance there either. In this case, I think the individual patch quality (and the meaning behind them) by far trumps the need for any greater patch quantity.

And anyone who ever wears any kind of a patch signifying traps aboard an aircraft carrier – even if it is their one and only patch - is one of far greater achievement and on a much higher plane than the vast lower caste of mere mortals, and most especially - those white wine drinking ascot wearers.

 

[VFA-203 Forever]

Although the Navy/Marines really do have some excellent patch designs, you've got some "unusual" ones too: remember the "Fightin' Escargot" or the recently retired "Screwbirds"? Shoot, the Navy even got P.C. by switching the direction the screw went through the screwbird.

I'm going to put on my ascot now and have a glass of wine.

Hey Hey, No hating on the Slugs Patch, Definitely a unique design, though. Their decomm patch (I collect myself) is pretty clever yet unoriginal. A Slug in a frying pan getting covered in salt. Another good one is VS-33 adapting the Screwbird and bringing back their old 60-70's design with the Sword going thru the Bird for the decommissioning patch. Seems the USAF doesn't bother with patches (Especially Decomm's) like the Navy/USMC does. Anyone saw VMAQ-4's new Friday? Great looking patch.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Speaking of non-PC patches... Here's the "official" patch of my first squadron (now decomissioned):

Here was the "unofficial" patch:

Shortly after I got there, the unofficial patch got a makeover (can't find a picture), and the angel was wearing a flowing gown...