Original Items: Only One Set Available. Arriving in Korea on December 7, 1950, VMF-311 was the first land-based Marine jet squadron to be used in combat providing close air support for the Marines and Soldiers on the ground In late-June 1952 the squadron participate in the attack on the Sui-ho Dam. Additionally, the squadron pioneered strip-alert tactics still practiced today. Legendary pilots during this era included later astronaut and Senator John Glenn and baseball star Ted Williams. In over ​2 1⁄2 years of action in Korea the squadron amassed 18,851 combat sorties. In 1957, the squadron finally was re-designated Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311). The nickname "Tomcats" was also bestowed during this era.

This set of three badges belonged to Marine Corps pilot Lieutenant John F. Heiland. Lt. Heiland who received the Distinguished Flying Cross which can be verified at this .

VMF-311 was based in Japan until December 1950 where this patches were made. The Japanese made badges are as follows:

- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point patch that measures approximately 5" tall x 3.75" wide and reads:
GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD
CHERRY POINT

- Perhaps the rarest of USMC Korean War Patches is this heart shaped felt backed bullion embroidered Korean War VMF-311 squadron patch that features a TOMCAT riding a rocket. Patch measures approximately 6.5" tall. A similar patch sold on eBay in 2011 for a incredible $1282. Verify this at this .


- Felt backed bullion embroidered USMC Aviator Pilots badge name tag that reads J.F. HEILAND LIEUT. U.S.M.C. Patch measures approximately 4" x 2.8"

Overall extremely high quality badges belonging to a top Marine Corps pilot during the Korean war.