Oozlefinch
The Oozlefinch is the unofficial historic mascot of the Air Defense Artillery - and formerly of the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps. The Oozlefinch is portrayed as a featherless bird that flies backwards and carries weapons of the Air Defense and Coast Artillery, most often a Nike-Hercules Missile. The Oozlefinch has been portrayed in many different forms and artistic interpretations through its history.
History
There are many legends about the origins of the Oozlefinch. Most agree that the legend began in 1905 at Ft. Monroe, Virginia, then home of the Coast Artillery Corps. Captain Henry MacPherson Merriam, possibly under the effects of alcohol, first reported seeing a large-eyed, flight-challenged bird outside the officers' club. Soon more people reported seeing this bird, and sketches were made. Eventually, the legend of the bird would become so great that a statue was erected at the club in its honor.The Oozlefinch was used on the insignia of the Railway Artillery Reserve during World War I; In some descriptions, this bird is a pelican. The Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 42nd Field Artillery Brigade later included the oozlefinch, describing the insignia as: "On a wreath of the colors an oozlefinch Vert, armed, capped and collared on the legs."