Blazon:

Shield:  Argent, a compass rose of sixteenpoints Gules.

Crest: On a wreath Argent and Gules an American bald eagle's head erasedProper.  Below the shield on a gold colorscroll inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in red letters.  Encircling the shield and crest at the topthe inscription "CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY" in white letters; allon a circular blue background with a narrow gold edge.

Symbolism:  The American bald eagle is a symbol of strengthand alertness and is the National bird. The radiating spokes of the compass rose depict the coverage ofintelligence data from all areas to a central point.

Background: The seal was approved on17 Feb 1950, Executive Order 10111, by President Harry S. Truman.