USMC Helicopter Squadrons
$12.00
Only 13 items left in stock
Bulk Patch Pricing
Embroidered
Minimum order: 25
25-49: $6.00 each
50-99: $5.00 each
100-199: $4.00 each
200-299: $3.00 each
300+: $2.50 each
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National Defense Service Patch — Embroidered Patch
The Firewatch Ribbon
Every service member who served during a designated period of national emergency has earned the National Defense Service Medal — affectionately known as the "Firewatch Ribbon" or the "Pizza Stain" for its ubiquity. This patch represents the foundational service recognition that marks a member's service during wartime or national emergency.
The National Defense Service Medal was established on April 22, 1953, and has been awarded during four periods of national emergency: the Korean War (1950-1954), the Vietnam War (1961-1974), the Gulf War (1990-1995), and the War on Terror (2001-present). It is awarded to all members of the Armed Forces who serve honorably during designated periods, making it one of the most widely awarded military decorations. While Marines love to joke about it being a participation trophy, the NDSM represents something meaningful — service during a time when the nation was at war and every service member, regardless of assignment, contributed to the national defense effort.
Perfect For:
National Defense Service Medal holders, all-era service members, military decoration collectors, basic award commemorators, veteran display completers, and medal patch enthusiasts
You served when the nation needed you.
If you want to swap patches on/off gear, choose hook & loop (velcro). If you’re attaching permanently to uniforms or fabric, choose sew-on. If you want quick application on compatible fabric, choose iron-on / heat seal (when offered). Backing options are shown on the page and update based on the variant you select.
Size is shown on the product page and updates with the variant you select (example: 3"). If you’re mounting on a hat or small panel, choose smaller sizes; for plate carriers and display boards, larger sizes fit better.
If the product is officially licensed, it will say “Officially Licensed” in the title and/or in the product details. If it doesn’t, it’s still a legitimate product—just not part of a licensed program.
Yes. If you see a note like “bulk reruns available,” that means we can support group orders or reruns. If you don’t see it, contact us with the unit/squadron and quantity and we’ll confirm options.
Yes—custom solutions are available (patches, name tags, lanyards, apparel). Use the custom request page and include artwork, size, backing preference, and quantity.
