USMC Helicopter Squadrons
$12.00
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Embroidered
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25-49: $6.00 each
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VMA-311 Tomcats "Claws" Patch — Marine Attack Squadron 311 Tomcats Embroidered Patch
Screw with the Tomcats, you get the Claws — VMA-311's warning to anyone foolish enough to challenge the Marine Corps' legendary A-4 Skyhawk attack squadron.
Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311), the "Tomcats," is one of the most storied attack squadrons in Marine Corps aviation history. Originally operating the A-4 Skyhawk — the small, tough, and remarkably effective light attack jet that served as the backbone of Marine close air support for decades — VMA-311 earned a fearsome reputation for delivering ordnance on target in support of Marines on the ground. The "Claws" patch carries the squadron's unofficial warning: "Screw with the Tomcats, you get the Claws" — a message that reflects the aggressive spirit of Marine attack aviation.
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was one of the most successful combat aircraft ever built. Nicknamed "Heinemann's Hot Rod" after its designer Ed Heinemann, the A-4 was designed to be simple, light, and easy to maintain — qualities that made it perfect for expeditionary Marine operations from austere forward airfields. The Skyhawk could carry a bomb load nearly equal to its own empty weight and could deliver it with remarkable precision using the Mark 1 Eyeball and iron sights. VMA-311 flew the A-4 in combat during the Vietnam War, where Marine Skyhawk pilots flew some of the most dangerous close air support missions of the conflict.
VMA-311's Tomcat legacy lives on in the memories of the Marines who flew and maintained the A-4, and this "Claws" patch serves as a reminder that the Tomcats never backed down from a fight and always delivered the ordnance where the grunts needed it most.
Perfect For: VMA-311 Tomcats veterans, A-4 Skyhawk pilots and maintainers, Marine attack aviation veterans, Vietnam-era Marine aviators, and classic military aviation patch collectors.
VMA-311 Tomcats — mess with the cat, you get the claws — delivering pain from the cockpit of the mighty Skyhawk.
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.
