USS Pochard (AM-375) received three battle stars for World War II service. USS Pochard (AM-375) USS "Pochard" (AM-375) was an acquired by the United States Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing. "Pochard" was named after the pochard, a heavy-bodied diving duck. "Pochard" was laid down by Savannah Machine and Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia, 10 February 1944; launched 11 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Mary E. Kennard; and commissioned 27 November 1944, Lt. Comdr. David D. Long, USNR, in command. After fitting out and shakedown, she departed Norfolk, Virginia, for the
The Blue Bird (fairy tale) King Charming and Queen Florine are married and live happily ever after. In the autobiography "The Words" from Jean-Paul Sartre, "The Blue Bird" was mentioned by the author as one of the first books he liked as a child. The Blue Bird (fairy tale) "The Blue Bird" is a French literary fairy tale by Madame d'Aulnoy, published in 1697. An English translation was included in "The Green Fairy Book", 1892, collected by Andrew Lang. The tale is Aarne–Thompson type 432, The Prince as Bird. Others of this type include "The Feather of Finist the Falcon", "The Green Knight", and "The