Officially Licensed USMC VMF-122 Candystripers WWII Patch — The Squadron That Did Everything First Before they were Werewolves or Crusaders, they were the Candystripers — and they changed Marine aviation forever. VMF-122 was commissioned on March 1, 1942, at Camp Kearny, San Diego. Outfitted with F4F Wildcats, they fought as part of the legendary Cactus Air Force at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. Under the command of Major "Pappy" Boyington, the squadron transitioned to the F4U Corsair and racked up 35½ kills. For their second tour, the Candystripers operated from Peleliu Air Facility, conducting combat operations over Yap, the Palau Islands, and beyond — with their last combat mission of the war coming on August 1, 1945. After the war, VMF-122 became the first Marine squadron to fly jet aircraft with the FH-1 Phantom, fielded the Marine Corps' only aerial demonstration team — the "Flying Leathernecks" — and became the first Marine jet squadron qualified for day and night carrier ops. This WWII-era patch honors the Candystripers at their roots. Perfect For: VMFA-122 Marines honoring their heritage, WWII Marine aviation historians, Corsair and Wildcat enthusiasts, and anyone who respects the squadron that racked up more "firsts" than any other in the Corps. From Henderson Field to the jet age — the Candystripers blazed the trail.
