Marine Fighter Squadron
VMF-214 is one of the best known Marine Corps squadrons after it was
memorialized in the television series "Baa Baa Black Sheep."
The squadron was activated
on July 1, 1942 and known as the "Swashbucklers."
After two tours as the Swashbucklers, the squadron was broken up and
the pilots assigned to other units. The numerical
designation "214" was reassigned to Major Gregory Boyington
in late 1943 and VMF-214 became known as the "Blacksheep".
The squadron is still active today designated VMA-214 flying the
Harrier.
The Blacksheep flew F4-U Corsairs from Espiritu Santo
in the Pacific where "Pappy"
Boyington’s prowess for downing Japanese aircraft set the tone as he
welded his squadron into one of the most successful in the Pacific.
Pappy was a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corps before
WWII, but he resigned his commission to join the Flying Tigers in
China where he was credited with six victories. He returned to the
Marine Corps and wangled his way into a combat squadron where he added
twenty-two more victories earning the Congressional Medal of Honor.
VMF-214 had its first Blacksheep patch made while on
R&R in Australia in late 1943. We meticulously copied our
Blacksheep patch from of an original patch worn by Maj. Gregory
"Pappy" Boyington.
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The Blacksheep returned to the
United States in 1944 and added the numbers "214"
on the bottom right side of the crest. |
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Size
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5 x 6 inches
(13 x 15 cm)
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Materials
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Embroidered on white wool felt. |
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