{"product_id":"vma-311-tomcats-claws-patch","title":"VMA-311 Tomcats \"Claws\" Patch","description":"\u003cp\u003eVMA-311 Tomcats \"Claws\" Patch — Marine Attack Squadron 311 Tomcats Embroidered Patch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eScrew 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMarine 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVMA-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVMA-311 Tomcats — mess with the cat, you get the claws — delivering pain from the cockpit of the mighty Skyhawk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military, Law Enforcement and Custom Patches by USMCinsignia.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50909897392214,"sku":"yea1793025404387","price":7.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0722\/5615\/9830\/files\/vma-311-tomcats-claws-patch_1.jpg?v=1793025410","url":"https:\/\/looklabfashion.shop\/products\/vma-311-tomcats-claws-patch","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}