Vietnam war in-country machine-embroidered patch, used condition. Patch measures 3.5" by 3". A valuable addition to your collection of Vietnam war memorabilia items.

On February 1, 1966, the squadron was re-designated as Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 333 (VMF(AW)-333) when they received new all-weather versions of the F-8 Crusader. The squadron last name change came on June 20, 1966 when they became Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 333 (VMFA-333) as they transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II. In June 1972, VMFA-333 deployed on board the USS America (CVA-66) and conducted mission over Vietnam. It was during this deployment that the squadron got its only air to air kill when Major Lee.T. Lasseter along with his RIO, Capt. John D. Cummings shot down a MiG-21 over North Vietnam, near Ha Noi. After the shoot down both aircraft were damaged by flak and an SA-2 SAM, which hit 5526 in the tail section. Close to running out of fuel and with 5526 on fire from the SAM hit, the pilots ejected just south of Hai Phong Harbor. The incident was also the first and only all-Marine kill during the Vietnam War. Two other Marines shot down MiGs but they were on exchange with the Air Force. For the rest of the 1970s, the squadron remained affiliated with Carrier Air Wing 8 and made several deployments aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Major Lee T. Lasseter later assumed command of VMFA-333 and was named Marine Aviator of the Year for 1972.