1
/
of
1
AV8 ACE
AV8 Ace "Wild Aces" Vintage T
AV8 Ace "Wild Aces" Vintage T
Regular price
$32.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$32.00 USD
Quantity
Couldn't load pickup availability
The Marine Fighter Squadron 124 holds the distinction of being the first Marine Corps squadron to fly the legendaryVought F4U Corsair in combat during World War II. Commissioned on September 2, 1942, at Camp Kearny, California, VMF-124 quickly trained on the new Corsair despite pilots having limited flight time in the aircraft. Deploying to Guadalcanal in February 1943 under Major William Gise, the squadron flew its first combat mission within hours of arriving, escorting a rescue mission deep into enemy-controlled territory. Operating from primitive island airfields, VMF-124 immediately joined the fierce air battles that defined the Solomon Islands campaign.
Throughout 1943, VMF-124 played a vital role in securing Allied air superiority over Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands, New Georgia, and Vella Lavella. Flying escort, fighter sweep, interception, and ground attack missions, the squadron repeatedly engaged experienced Japanese pilots in intense aerial combat. Among its most celebrated aviators was Kenneth A. Walsh, who became the first F4U Corsair pilot to receive the Medal of Honor after destroying four Japanese fighters during a single mission in August 1943. Walsh ultimately finished the war as one of the Marine Corps' leading aces, while VMF-124 helped establish the Corsair as one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the Pacific War.
After its first combat tour, VMF-124 returned to the United States to train replacement pilots before making history once again in late 1944. Alongside VMF-213, it became one of the first Marine fighter squadrons to operate from an aircraft carrier, embarking aboard the USS Essex (CV-9). From the carrier's deck, the squadron participated in major operations over Formosa, Luzon, Tokyo, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, providing fighter escort, ground attack, and fleet air defense during the final offensives against Japan. VMF-124's pioneering service—both as the first combat Corsair squadron and among the first Marine carrier-based fighter units—secured its place as one of the most influential and decorated squadrons in Marine Corps aviation history.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
Throughout 1943, VMF-124 played a vital role in securing Allied air superiority over Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands, New Georgia, and Vella Lavella. Flying escort, fighter sweep, interception, and ground attack missions, the squadron repeatedly engaged experienced Japanese pilots in intense aerial combat. Among its most celebrated aviators was Kenneth A. Walsh, who became the first F4U Corsair pilot to receive the Medal of Honor after destroying four Japanese fighters during a single mission in August 1943. Walsh ultimately finished the war as one of the Marine Corps' leading aces, while VMF-124 helped establish the Corsair as one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the Pacific War.
After its first combat tour, VMF-124 returned to the United States to train replacement pilots before making history once again in late 1944. Alongside VMF-213, it became one of the first Marine fighter squadrons to operate from an aircraft carrier, embarking aboard the USS Essex (CV-9). From the carrier's deck, the squadron participated in major operations over Formosa, Luzon, Tokyo, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, providing fighter escort, ground attack, and fleet air defense during the final offensives against Japan. VMF-124's pioneering service—both as the first combat Corsair squadron and among the first Marine carrier-based fighter units—secured its place as one of the most influential and decorated squadrons in Marine Corps aviation history.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
Share
