Shield.  Argent at honor point a fess wavy Azure fimbriated of the field charged with three mullets fesswise of the first, in base upon a dagger point to dexter Sable a Griffin rampant Gules armed Or, the sinister wing charged with a mullet Argent, carrying in its claws a cannonball Proper, on a chief wavy Sable issuant from base a demi-sun in splendor Or.

Crest.  From a wreath Argent and Azure, in front of a demi-ship’s wheel Proper, a Higgins boat in top-down perspective, bow up, Proper, the cockpit garnished Sable bearing the numeral “2” Or. 

Supporters.  Behind the shield, a pair of oars in saltire paddles to chief Proper.

Motto.  A scroll Gules doubled Or, inscribed “COURAGEOUS DEVOTION” Argent. 

Shield. Blue, red and white make up the colors of the Silver Star ribbon, awarded to William Sparling for his heroic actions in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign of World War II.  The black portion of the shield with rising sun symbolizes the three days in August 1942 that Coast Guardsman William Sparling displayed extraordinary determination in the face of great danger as coxswain of Higgins Boat No. 2 of the USS McKEAN.  On August 7, 1942, Sparling navigated his small boat to Tulagi Island, alongside seven other landing craft, constituting the first American assault wave on the Guadalcanal Campaign.  The three peaks of the wavy blue fess indicate the three days of transport to the island.  The three stars denote the three other enlisted Coast Guardsman to first receive the Silver Star:  Daniel Tarr, Harold Miller, and Glen Harris.  The Griffin, a legendary beast, stands for courage and is colored red to denote bravery.  The star upon the wings represents the Silver Star awarded to William Sparling for his courageous devotion during repeated trips between the Navy destroyer USS McKEAN and Tulagi.  Sparling landed his embarked troops under heavy enemy fire, represented by the United States Marine Raider stiletto dagger. The cannonball symbolizes the ammunition and other supplies transported by Sparling, his significant contribution to the capture of Tulagi. 

Crest. The Higgins boat No. 2 and ship’s wheel indicate William Sparling’s advanced knowledge of small boat handling and the attention to duty required to accomplish the mission.   

Supporters. The two crossed oars symbolize expert small boat handling and the strength of the USCGC WILLIAM SPARLING (WPC 1154) crew.  

Motto. The motto, “COURAGEOUS DEVOTION,” characterizes William Sparling’s fearless determination to transport troops and much needed supplies to the island under enemy fire.  The red, gold, and white coloring of the motto scroll is reminiscent of the ribbon of the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.   

Seal.  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a circular white background, enclosed by a dark blue designation band edged on the outside with a gold rope, inscribed “USCGC WILLIAM SPARLING” above and “WPC 1154” below, all in gold.