Rare 1943 USMC VMTB-143 Jacket Patch

ARTIFACT: Rare 1943 United States Marine Corps VMTB-143 jacket patch. In May, 1943, the squadron was instrumental in an attack on Houn Maru which ran it aground in the Tonolei Harbor off the southern coast of Bougainville - it was considered a total loss. In June 1943, VMTB-143 participated in the Bougainville Campaign (part of Operation Cartwheel), an Allied offensive attack on the Japanese stationed in the Pacific near the Northern Solomons. This example of the patch is the 1st design and was made in the United States. The patch depicts a bulldog aviator riding a torpedo in the center.

VINTAGE: Circa 1943

SIZE: Approximately 4-1/4" in diameter

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Embroidered wool felt, cotton/silk/polyester thread, gauze background

ATTACHMENT: N/A

MARKINGS: None.

ITEM NOTES: This is from a US Marine Corps collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MBEJX16 LABGEX10/16 TRVAAEJX5/17

CONDITION: 7 (Very Fine): The patch shows minor to moderate wear and light soiling, colors remain bright, overall very fine condition.

GUARANTEE: As with all my items, this piece is guaranteed original.