The official seal of the U.S. Marshals forms the patch
for the Nation’s oldest Federal law enforcement agency. The seal is
symbolic of the rich heritage and devotion to duty of the men and women
of the U.S. Marshals Service.
In October 1966, U.S. Marshal Robert Morey
of Massachusetts designed the USMS seal. He began by chairing the
committee as tasked by Chief U.S. Marshal James J.P. McShane, and then
reviewed various drawings and submissions. From this, U.S. Marshal
Morey, an accomplished artist, created the final prototype design by
Autumn 1968.
The seal was a
fascinating mixture of symbolism and patriotic color. It
contained the six-pointed star of a western resemblance,
surrounded by a field of deep blue. The field contained this
color to represent the same symbols as in the American flag:
vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Over the badge was an
American bald eagle that clutched two symbols in its talons: an
olive branch in one and arrows in the other. A small breastplate
was superimposed over the symbolic eagle and showed all three
flag colors and the date "1789,"
the first year of the agency's
existence. A red ring was outside of the solid blue
background, signifying courage and bloodshed in carrying out
duties. Thirteen stars are over the top half of the seal, while
the agency motto: "Justice, Integrity, Service" is denoted on
the bottom half. Finally a gold-colored ring on the outside
stated the words "Department of Justice" and "United States
Marshal." The outer edge was brown-colored to signify the Earth.
Chief U.S. Marshal McShane wanted
to bring the districts together with a common bond that promoted
its common mission. He noted in a memo to Attorney General Clark
that the seal would "further our development of unity and
cooperation." The Attorney General's Office sent the proposal
through the Army Heraldry Service, the Government Printing
Office, and the Office of Legal Counsel to assure the image
followed guidelines. The Official notice was given six days
later.
For additional information on the
use of the USMS name, badge, seal and other official name/insignia on
commercial products, including intellectual properties such as books,
movies and software.