2129 - VMF South Pacific 1BF's chest patch. Made of woven cotton fabric. Features VMF South Pacific "Semper Fidelis" 1BFS markings. This badge has never been attached to a jacket. This insignia was designed and worn by a group of U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilots (VMF) who arrived on the island of Espiritu Santo (South Pacific) in April 1944 aboard the escort aircraft carrier CVE Savo Island. While awaiting their final assignment to a permanent combat squadron, these pilots were assigned to a reserve group. Their mission was to conduct flight tests on aircraft (often F4U Corsairs) that had just been repaired after sustaining heavy combat damage. Diameter 13 cm. Note some wear and patina on the item, as well as a few stains. Condition II+. VMF South Pacific 1BFS Chest Patch. Made of woven cotton fabric. Markings: VMF South Pacific Semper Fidelis 1BFS. An unissued example that was never attached to a jacket. This insignia was designed and worn by a group of U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilots who arrived on Espiritu Santo in the South Pacific in April 1944 aboard the escort carrier CVE Savo Island. While awaiting permanent assignment to an operational combat squadron, these pilots were incorporated into a reserve group. Their mission was to flight-test aircraft—often F4U Corsairs—that had been repaired after sustaining heavy combat damage. Diameter 13 cm. Some wear and patina on the item, as well as a few stains. Condition II+.