Officially Licensed USMC VMF-221 Fighting Falcons Patch — Marine Fighter Squadron 221 Battle of Midway Embroidered Patch The Fighting Falcons — VMF-221 at the Battle of Midway, one of the most heroic stands in Marine aviation history. VMF-221 "Fighting Falcons" holds a sacred place in Marine Corps history for its heroic sacrifice at the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. Flying obsolete F2A Brewster Buffaloes and a handful of F4F Wildcats, VMF-221 intercepted a massive Japanese strike force heading for Midway Island. Outnumbered and outclassed by Japanese Zeros, the Fighting Falcons were decimated — 13 of 25 pilots were killed. Despite the devastating losses, their courageous stand helped buy time for the U.S. Navy's dive bombers to locate and destroy four Japanese carriers, turning the tide of the Pacific War. Perfect For: VMF-221 Fighting Falcons veterans and descendants, Battle of Midway historians, F2A Buffalo and F4F Wildcat enthusiasts, Marine Corps sacrifice and heroism collectors, and USMC WWII legendary squadron patch collectors. Fighting Falcons. Midway. June 4, 1942.
