VA-881 Attack Squadron Patch

VA-881 Attack Squadron Patch (U.S. Navy) 3.75" x 4.5" Embroidered Patch with Sew-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
Attack Squadron 881 (VA-881) was a United States Navy reserve attack squadron that came into prominence during the Korean War. Originally part of the Naval Air Reserve, the squadron was activated for full-time service in July 1950, just weeks after the outbreak of hostilities. Its formation answered the urgent call for experienced pilots and carrier-based attack capabilities in a theater where U.S. Navy aviation would become a decisive element. The squadron was tasked with delivering air strikes in support of ground operations, disrupting enemy supply lines, and asserting air presence over the Korean Peninsula.

Notable Commanders
VA-881’s leadership was drawn from a mix of seasoned World War II veterans and skilled reserve officers who transitioned quickly into active-duty roles. These commanders had to forge combat-ready effectiveness from a reserve squadron in very little time, emphasizing rapid adaptation to the carrier air wing structure, high-tempo flight operations, and precision strike tactics. Their leadership ensured VA-881 could hold its own alongside regular fleet squadrons in combat.

Major Campaigns/Operations
Deployed aboard aircraft carriers such as USS Oriskany (CV-34) and USS Princeton (CV-37), VA-881 participated in key operations during the Korean War. The squadron flew interdiction missions against North Korean and Chinese forces, attacked enemy infrastructure like bridges and railways, and delivered close air support to embattled UN ground troops. VA-881 was actively engaged in combat throughout several phases of the war, contributing to the success of operations like the air campaign around the Pusan Perimeter and the strikes supporting the breakout from the Chosin Reservoir.

Specialized Role/Equipment
VA-881 operated the F4U Corsair, a tough and proven carrier-based fighter-bomber. The Corsair was well-suited for Korea’s rugged terrain and harsh conditions, capable of carrying a wide array of ordnance including bombs, rockets, and machine gun ammunition. The aircraft’s resilience allowed it to absorb ground fire and still bring pilots back to the carrier. The squadron was trained for low-altitude attack missions, often flying into intense anti-aircraft zones to strike strategic targets or provide life-saving support to Marines and soldiers on the ground.

Acts of Heroism
The pilots and crews of VA-881 displayed immense bravery under fire. Missions were often flown under the worst conditions—mountainous terrain, winter weather, and heavy enemy anti-aircraft defenses. During one mission near the heavily fortified town of Wonsan, a section of VA-881 Corsairs pressed home their attack on a rail depot under intense fire, successfully destroying the target while narrowly evading damage themselves. Acts like these were routine for the squadron, whose pilots regularly risked their lives to carry out their missions. Many were decorated with Air Medals and Navy Commendations for their courage, precision, and commitment to supporting ground forces in peril.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
Though deactivated after the Korean War, VA-881 left behind a legacy of transformation, proving that reserve squadrons could be brought into active service and perform at the highest levels in combat. Their success became a model for the integration of reserve units into the Navy’s broader operational structure. VA-881 demonstrated the effectiveness of carrier-based attack aviation in limited wars and helped refine the tactics used in future conflicts. Its patch, bearing the symbols of naval strike power, remains a lasting visual echo of a unit forged in urgency and tested in battle.