This is a 3" shoulder patch with Hook & Loop.
This is a very rare design and finding it took some help from the Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico:
NMMC has the original documentation
that VMF-144 submitted to Chief of Naval Operations in the spring of 1953
looking for approval of the design. I have attached a color image of the
design which we have in the form of a period produced sticker. VMF-144 was
commissioned as a reserve unit on 1 July 1946. I don't know when it was
re-designated as VMA-144, but I know that it happened sometime before 1962,
as VMA-144 is noted in the official history of the USMC Reserves as being
the first reserve squadron to participate in a major training exercise
(Operation Unity) outside of the continental US for its summer maneuvers.
Given that the first USMC active duty squadrons didn't get their first A-4A
(then the A4D-1) until 1957, I doubt that the 1953 VMF-144 unit insignia
design was meant to mimic the A-4. I am unable to confirm what aircraft
type VMF-144 was flying in 1953, but it likely to have be either the FH-1 or
F2H. Looking at the patch and the two aircraft types, my money is on the
unit patch riffing off of the FH-1, which had a very short career with
active duty USMC squadrons, but equipped 11 reserve units through 1953.
Key Features:
1. Embroidered Patches- Embroidered more densely with synthetic thread that makes it
thicker and more durable.
2. Vibrant Color, with rich and contrasting colored thread that makes the patch more eye catching.
3. Neat Finish- Made with simple composition and crisp detailed work that keeps the
patch look non-cluttered and neat.
Product Description:
Our patches give a strong sense of belonging. It exemplifies pride in yourself and your unit or squadron. Our patches are the highest quality at a better price.
We can create any patch design with a high-quality photo or a .jpg if you want to re-create an existing patch, or we'll work with you to create a new custom patch. Pricing depends on the number of patches ordered.
Embroidery:
25-99 $4.00 each
100+ $3.00 each
200+ $2.50 each
300+ $2.00 each
PVC:
50+ $5.50 each
100+ $4.00 each
200+ $3.50 each
Leather:
We are able to create leather squadron patches in bulk of 10+ for $5.00 off per patch over 10 leather patches. We are stocking leather squadron patches, so they'll ship quickly, once we have the design.
Coins:
Coins are available for 100 at about $5.50 each. Price can vary somewhat, depending
on features.
Key Rings:
$2.00 each on 100+.
Stickers:
Vinyl stickers are available for bulk order of about $1.00 each on 100+. $.80 cents each on 200+.
All pricing includes Velcro and shipping for bulk orders. We also have glow in the dark thread for embroidery and glow in the dark PVC colors; White (green), blue, red, yellow and orange.
