Buy Officially Licensed USMC VMSB- Patch

Product Information

This is a 5" patch, without hook & loop.

VMSB/VMTB-234

Date Commissioned: April 1, 1942, changed to VMTB October 14, 1944
Date Deactivated: March 20, 1946
Nickname of Unit: n/a

Type of Aircraft Employed: SBD-1, F4F-3, SBD-3P, SBD-4, SBMP, SBD-5, TBM-3E

Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 234 (VMSB-234) was activated at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa on May 1, 1942. While there, the squadron began operations and trained for duty in the South Pacific. In December, 1942 the squadron departed for Espiritu Santo in New Hebrides and continued combat training on the fighter strip at Turtle Bay. In January 1943, the squadron ferried their SBD-4's to Guadalcanal and started combat operations at Henderson Field as part of the Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal on January 28, 1943. During the next 11 months, the unit flew three tours at Guadalcanal with additional duty at Fuji Island at Munda Field, New Georgia. Their second stint on Guadalcanal began on April 15, 1943. During this time they did patrol duties in the Fiji Islands and also provided close air support in New Georgia. They moved to Munda and began operating from there on October 1943 concentrating their attacks in the vicinity of Bougainville. In November 1943 the squadron had moved to Efate and from there they returned to the United States.

They relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California in November 1943 and were redesignated Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 234 (VMTB-234) on October 14, 1944. Their unit designation was changed to VMTB(CVS)-234 after which they deployed as part of Marine Carrier Group 3 on board the USS Vella Gulf (CVE-111). They were paired with VMF-513 during their deployment but never saw combat as the war ended. The squadron returned to California in November 1945 and was deactivated at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro on March 20, 1946.

This squadron employed two different insignia. The first (1943), designed by PFC Richard Green, depicted a bomb being dropped which signified it's role as a scout bombing squadron. The second (1944), artist unknown, showed a mailed fist with a set of Avenger wings signifying the change in mission and aircraft from SBD to TBF/TBM and a change in designation from VMSB to VMTB.

Product Description

Officially Licensed USMC VMSB-234 WWII Squadron Patch — Cactus Air Force Heritage

VMSB-234 fought as part of the legendary Cactus Air Force at Henderson Field — Marine scout bombers in the Pacific's toughest fight.

Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 234 (VMSB-234) flew SBD-4 Dauntless dive bombers during World War II, participating in the Cactus Air Force operations at Guadalcanal's Henderson Field and other Pacific campaigns. This WWII embroidered patch preserves the heritage of a unit that operated from Turtle Bay and other austere Pacific airfields under the most demanding combat conditions. The Cactus Air Force Marines at Henderson Field faced daily Japanese attacks while flying offensive missions, and VMSB-234's scout bombers contributed to the campaign that turned the tide in the Pacific.

Perfect For: VMSB-234 heritage fans, Cactus Air Force historians, Guadalcanal campaign enthusiasts, SBD Dauntless admirers, and USMC WWII squadron patch collectors.

VMSB-234 — Cactus Air Force, Henderson Field warriors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right backing?

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.

What size is this item?

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.

Are these Officially Licensed?

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.

Do you offer bulk or reruns for units/squadrons?

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.

Can you make a custom patch / name tag / lanyard / apparel?

Yes—custom solutions are available (patches, name tags, lanyards, apparel). Use the custom request page and include artwork, size, backing preference, and quantity.