Buy Officially Licensed US Navy V Patch

Product Information

This is a 4" patch, no hook and loop.

The Black Ponies of Light Attack Squadron Four (VAL-4) came into being on January 3, 1969 when the squadron was commissioned at NAS North Island across the bay from San Diego, California. Flying Rockwell OV-10A ‘Bronco’s’ that the Navy borrowed from the Marine Corps, The Black Ponies established two in-country detachments in March of 1969. Flying operations began in April when the Black Ponies began flying combat sorties out of Binh Thuy and Vung Tau. The Black Ponies were mainly responsible for supporting brown water forces throughout the Mekong Delta.

Being able to carry more ordnance farther and faster than the UH-1 choppers of the Navy’s helicopter squadron HAL-3 soon made the Black Ponies a favorite among ground troops. In 1970 alone, the Black Ponies flew 7,354 combat sorties for a total of 15,268 hours; they expended 5,450,383 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, 75,616 20mm rounds, 35,824 five inch “Zuni” folding fin air rockets, 68,849 2.75″ rockets and 10,436 flares. They had a confirmed body count of 1,090 with an additional 1,902 probable kills. They destroyed 311 watercraft and damaged 389. Destroyed 1,248 bunkers and damaged 1,700 more. 504 bunkers were destroyed and 187 damaged and they were credited with destroying 36 .51 cal gun sites. Also in 1970 there were 5 squadron personnel wounded in action, one person killed in action and 3 aircraft lost due to enemy fire.

From the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross down to Navy Achievement Medals, the Black Ponies accumulated over 1760 decorations for meritorious service and gallantry in 1970. On April 1, 1972 the Black Ponies stood down at Binh Thuy and the squadron was decommissioned and deactivated on April 10, 1972 at Cubi Point in the Philippines. In its short history, the Black Ponies flew more than 21,000 combat sorties totaling over 42,000 flights – a Navy record for fixed wing aircraft. The Black Ponies has dropped over 11,000 tons of ordnance costing more than $22,500,000.

Product Description

Officially Licensed US Navy VAL-4 Black Ponies Patch — Vietnam's OV-10 Bronco Legends

The Black Ponies of VAL-4 flew OV-10 Broncos low and slow over the Mekong Delta — and became legends doing it.

Light Attack Squadron 4 (VAL-4), the Black Ponies, operated the OV-10A Bronco during the Vietnam War, providing close air support for Navy SEALs, riverine patrol boats, and ground forces in the Mekong Delta. This embroidered patch preserves the Black Ponies' iconic identity. VAL-4's pilots flew their twin-turboprop Broncos into the most dangerous fire zones in the delta, delivering ordnance with precision at low altitude. The Black Ponies became one of the most requested and respected close air support units in Vietnam, earning a legendary reputation that endures in naval aviation lore.

Perfect For: VAL-4 Black Ponies veterans, OV-10 Bronco enthusiasts, Vietnam War close air support historians, Navy light attack fans, and Navy heritage embroidered patch collectors.

Black Ponies — Bronco legends of the delta.

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.