Devil Dogs

The history of the Marine Corps emblem is a story related to the
history of the Corps itself. The emblem of today traces its roots
to the designs and ornaments of early Continental Marines as well
as British Royal Marines. The emblem took its present form in 1868.
Before that time many devices, ornaments, and distinguishing marks
followed one another as official marks of the Corps.

In 1776, the device consisted of a “foul anchor” of silver or
pewter. The foul anchor still forms a part of the emblem today. (A
foul anchor is an anchor which has one or more turns of the chain
around it). Changes were made in 1798, 1821, and 1824. In 1834 it
was prescribed that a brass eagle be worn on the hat, the eagle to
measure 3 1/2 inches from wingtip to wingtip.

During the early years numerous distinguishing marks were
prescribed, including “black cockades, “scarlet plumes,” and
“yellow bands and tassels.” In 1859 the origin of the present color
scheme for the officer’s dress uniform ornaments appeared on an
elaborate device of solid white metal and yellow metal. The design
included a United States shield, half wreath, a bugle, and the
letter “M.”

In 1868, Brigadier General Commandant Jacob Zeilin appointed a
board “to decide and report upon the various devices of cap
ornaments for the Marine Corps.” On 13 November 1868, the board
turned in its report. It was approved by the Commandant four days
later, and on 19 November 1868 was signed by the Secretary of the
Navy.

The emblem recommended by this board has survived with minor
changes to this day. It consists of a globe (showing the Western
Hemisphere) intersected by a foul anchor, and surmounted by a
spread eagle. On the emblem itself, the device is topped by a
ribbon inscribed with the Latin motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always
Faithful). The uniform ornaments omit the motto ribbon.

The general design of the emblem was probably derived from the
British Royal Marines’ “Globe and Laurel.” The globe on the U.S.
Marine emblem signifies service in any part of the world. The eagle
also indirectly signifies service worldwide, although this may not
have been the intention of the designers in 1868. The eagle they
selected for the Marine emblem is a crested eagle, a type found all
over the world. On the other hand, the eagle pictured on the great
seal and the currency of the United States is the bald eagle,
strictly an American variety. The anchor, whose origin dates back
to the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775, indicates the
amphibious nature of Marines’ duties.