VF-32 / VFA-32 Swordsmen Squadron Patch - With Hook and Loop
A 4" with Hook and Loop Squadron Patch of the VF-32 / VFA-32 Swordsmen.
4" inches
With Hook and Loop
US Veteran-Owned Business

Squadron History
The VFA-32 Swordsmen originated on Feb. 1, 1945 as VBF-3, after VF-3 was split into two squadrons. VBF-3 joined Carrier Air Group THREE onboard USS YORKTOWN (CV 10) operating in the Pacific theater. Flying F6F-5 "Hellcats", VBF-3 pilots became the first Navy carrier-based pilots to attack the homeland of the Japanese Empire. During the heavy action on that day, the squadron shot down 24 Japanese aircraft for which the Swordsmen received the Presidential Unit Citation. In 1946, VBF-3 transitioned to F8F-1 "Bearcats" and redesignated as VF-4A. In August 1948, the squadron became VF-32, with the transition to the F4U-4.
At the outbreak of the Korean conflict, pilots from VF-32 were flying F4U-4 "Corsairs" onboard USS LEYTE (CV 32). From October 1950 to January 1951, VF-32 participated in strikes against Korean targets including Wonsan Harbor, Puckchong, Chonjin, and the Chosin Reservoir. A significant event for the Swordsmen occurred on the 4th of December, 1950 during a strike against the Chosin Reservoir. ENS Jesse L. Brown, the first black Navy fighter pilot, was hit by anti-aircraft fire and forced down in North Korean territory. A squadron mate, LTJG Thomas Hudner looked down and saw his friend trapped in his aircraft, reaching up to Hudner for help as the plane caught fire. LTJG Hudner crash landed his aircraft alongside ENS Brown in an attempt to rescue him, but his efforts were in vain. The President awarded LTJG Hudner the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic effort and ENS Brown the Distinguished Flying Cross. After operations in Korea, the squadron returned to the East Coast where they became the first operational unit to fly the Grumman F9F-6 "Cougar", the Navy's first swept wing jet fighter. VF-32