Shield. The indented chevron partition denotes the frozen and perilous conditions of Lake Michigan where Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Earl Cunningham lost his life during a rescue mission on February 8, 1936. Volunteering while off duty, his life-saving attempt followed a rescue where a previous surfman saved three of five fishermen stranded on the lake. The embowed chevronels illustrates Cunningham rowing his small boat, alone, north towards the fishermen despite ice, harsh winds, snowfall, and rising waves. The two stars denote the remaining two fishermen recovered through Cunningham’s efforts, and the two chevronels further recall Cunningham’s volunteerism in World War I as a corporal in the Army. The life buoy pays tribute to Cunningham’s designation as a surfman and its life-preserving function characterizes his valiant effort which earned him a Gold Life Saving Medal, awarded posthumously. The golden star honors the Cunningham’s as a Gold Star Family due to Earl Cunningham’s sacrifice that fateful day, and later for his son, Richard Cunningham, who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II. The shape of the shield was adapted from the historical insignia of the surfman check, which embodies his selflessness and bravery.
Crest. The watch tower was a prominent landmark of the Coast Guard Station in Charlevoix, Michigan, which Cunningham was stationed in at the time of his rescue mission. Before modern search and rescue efforts, Coast Guardsmen used lookout towers to keep watch for endangered lives. Thus, the tower serves as a symbol of the cutter’s role as a sentinel over the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. The aurora borealis, a natural phenomenon that occurs in high latitude regions, connects Cunningham’s home state of Michigan and the cutter’s homeport in Alaska. Furthermore, the aurora borealis memorializes Cunningham’s selfless spirit and devotion to save lives through the service of the cutter’s crew.
Supporters. The oar commemorates Cunningham’s sacrifice to rescue those in distress, even in the last minutes of his life. The M1903 Springfield rifle, which were frequently used by the U.S. Army during World War I, highlights Cunningham’s bravery and enduring service.
The boathook refers to the mission of the Coast Guard’s search, rescue, and lifesaving efforts.
MOTTO: The motto, “IF NOT US THEN WHO” emphasizes Cunningham’s and the cutter’s crew’s willingness and unwavering devotion to save lives within hazardous and unpredictable environments while paying tribute to all those who volunteer to serve. The ribbon on which the motto is inscribed reflect the colors of Cunninham’s Gold Life Saving Medal.
Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a circular light blue background enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope, inscribed “USCGC EARL CUNNINGHAM” along the top and “WPC 1159” along the bottom in gold.