The Direction of a Crow on a Navy Chevron?

Question

What is the meaning behind the direction the Crow is facing on a Navy Petty Officer Chevron?
Thanks

Answer 1

The Chicken has looked to the LEFT from1850 to 1941 on the US Navy Petty Officer's insignia. It then looked to the RIGHT since 1941. It has NOTHING to do with time of war or peace.

In 1941 the Navy changed the eagles facing direction to follow the Heraldic rules which faces the right toward the wearers sword arm. This rule continues to apply and the eagle now faces to the front or the wearers right.

EDIT: EAGLE ON CROWS/DEVICES-- for many years the U.S. specified modified forms of the Napoleonic Eagle in the devices and insignia used to distinguish the various ranks and ratings of enlisted men and officers. This eagle was usually cast, stamped or embroidered facing left and the same practice was used by the Navy. Why the Napoleonic eagle faced left is unknown. In 1941 the Navy changed the eagles facing direction to follow the Heraldic rules which faces the right toward the wearers sword arm. This rule continues to apply and the eagle now faces to the front or the wearers right.

I wore the AW1 rating insignia for 3 years before I got my commission, and can't recall the "legend" behind the chicken off the top of my head, but will do some research

The regulations of 1841 also provided another “first” for enlisted, a distinctive mark for petty officers. The device consisted of an eagle atop an anchor, which was a common theme in the early American maritime history, not more than three inches high with a star above the eagle. It also specified that the insignia was to be blue on a white uniform and white on blue uniforms. The eagle was probably chosen for several reasons. As the national symbol, the eagle first appeared on the national seal in 1782 and was displayed on officers’ buttons positioned over an anchor since 1802. It was a prevalent design on Army uniforms and was a common insignia during the 1840s. Thus it can be assumed that the frequent usage during the early years of the nation made the eagle the most logical choice in the Navy. Also the use of the eagle on officers’ buttons might have influenced its adoption on petty officer insignia. Although there were no specialty marks, distinction of ratings being accomplished by delineating on which arm the device was to be worn, and it created the “left arm,” “right arm” ratings which continued for over one hundred years. It was an important step in distinguishing between petty officers and junior enlisted, thus enhancing and recognizing the career personnel among their peers and superiors.

RIGHT ARM RATES--established in 1841 and disestablished 2 April 1949, originally signified men of the Seaman branch. During WWII these rates included Boatswains Mate, Turret Captain, Signalman, Gunners Mate, Fire Controlman, Quartermaster, Mineman, and Torpedomans Mate. Other ratings wore rates on the left sleeve. The Uniform Regulations of 1949 abolished the left/right arm ratings.

Answer 2

Petty Officer Crow

Answer 3

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/awOe4

Chevron gas station's chevrons are pointing down, too. Also, Air Force's chevrons are kinda pointing down as well. I guess it doesn't really matter.

Answer 4

they look inward during peace and outward during war