Patches and Insignias

Coat of Arms

The herald of USS NORRIS was originally designed to adhere to the more traditional practices of heraldry. For example, the lion is in a very traditional posture, a fighting stance, which is particularly described as "rampant", that befits a man-of-war. The lion has stood foremost in English heraldry as the symbol of courage, fortitude, and all nobleness; again quite fitting to the purpose of any destroyer and particularly relevant to NORRIS.

The addition of fins and/or fish-like tail was common in the Middle Ages to form a type of chimerical being. This aptly references NORRIS' life's environment. It is also of interest to note that the battle axe is held in the dexterous position; that is, in the right arm from which strength is presumably derived. The axe in the coat of arms of NORRIS represents her strength and power from the fear and respect commanded by soldiers who wielded the axe in battle.

The oak leaves pictured on the vertical side banners represent the memory of the man for whom the ship is named. The rank of Major is signified by the gold leaves. And the most obvious portion of the crest are the words "Fideliter Serva" which literally translated is "Faithful Servant"- Faithful Servant to her country for the past twenty-five years, USS NORRIS DD-859.

DESRON 20

Beatty DD-756

Norris DD-859

Zellars DD-777

Myles C Fox DD-828

Charles P Cecil DD-835

Newman K Perry DD-883

Decatur DD-936

(converted in 1965-1967 to DDG-31)

TASK Group Bravo

Destroyer Division 242

Squadron 24

Flotilla 2

1st Naval District

consisting of

USS Wasp CVS 18

USS Lloyd Thomas DD/DDE 764

USS Keppler DD/DDE 765

USS Fred T Berry DD/DDE 858

USS Norris DD/DDE 859

USS McCaffery DD/DDE 860

USS Harwood DD/DDE 861

USS Blandy DD/DL 943

When not in dry dock or on maneuvers Task Group Bravo destroyers were usually moored at South Dock, Melville, RI Pier 1 or 2

COMMANDER ESCORT DESTROYER SQUADRON SIX

U.S.S. FRED T. BERRY ( DDE858 ), FLAGSHIP

C/O FLEET POST OFFICE

NEW YORK, N.Y.

19 March 1951

From; Commander Escort Destroyer Squadron Six

To: Brigg, William E. 229 09 61, SO3, USN

Subj: Commendation

The Squadron Commander wishes to express his appreciation for the excellent services you have performed in connection with establishing the Escort Destroyer Division 61 insignia. The enthusiasm and initiative displayed by you and your very excellent ability reflects the quality and spirit of service that is most desirable in the Navy. Well done!

W. L. MESSMER