Shield. Per chevron Gules and barry wavy Argent and Azure, in chief four bolts fretted points to chief of the second, in nombril point a lozenge of the first within a bordure per bordure Argent and Azure charged with an American bald eagle head erased Proper.
Crest. From a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, behind a firemans axe and a sledge hammer saltirewise, a pair of swords in saltire near the blade point, on the dexter side a U.S. Navy Officer sword and on the sinister side a U.S. Army Officer sword Proper, overall a stylized Maltese cross of the first fimbriated of the second, charged with a heart at center point Purpure fimbriated Azure.
Motto. On a scroll Argent, edged and doubled Azure, the inscription VIRTUS IN PROELIO in Red letters, translated as BRAVERY IN BATTLE.
Shield. The shield has the same shape as the USS FIREBOLT seal, the vessel on which Nathan Bruckenthal served as part of the Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. The crossed bolts harken back to the arms of the USS FIREBOLT and here represent the time when Petty Officer Bruckenthal detected a small, unidentified dhow proceeding towards the oil terminal. After maneuvering the tram to screen the oil terminal, Bruckenthal approached the dhow to investigate its actions. As the boarding team drew alongside the dhow, the attacker aboard the vessel, realizing he had been discovered, detonated explosives packed on board. The explosion alerted all in the area of the ongoing coordinated attack, allowing security forces to destroy two additional explosive laden vessels, thereby preventing massive casualties. The red chevron symbolizes protection and courage. The eagle is an American symbol and also appears on the seal of New York, the home state of Nathan Bruckenthal. The surrounding lozenge contains the colors of the Bronze Star ribbon, alluding to the medal awarded to Nathan Bruckenthal. The wavy is a traditional symbol for water and here alludes to safeguarding life and liberty on the high seas.
Crest. The wreath/torse adopts the first named metal and color from the shield and blazon. The crossed swords replicate the supporter swords from the USS FIREBOLTs seal. The axe and sledge hammer are stylized after the damage control insignia, emphasizing Bruckenthals love of firefighting. The Maltese cross (stylized to resemble many firefighter emblems) combined with the heart represents the Purple Heart Bruckenthal was posthumously awarded for having gallantly given his life for his country.
Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white round disc within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name USCGC NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL at the top and WPC 1128 at the base.