Shield
Vert, papellonne Azure (Dark Blue), in base a mullet Argent (Silver Gray); a chief urde in point of the second, edged Or.
Crest
From a wreath Or and Azure (Dark Blue), a stylized Oriental dragon passant reguardant Vert, garnished, clawed, and tongued Gules, surmounted by a plate charged with a compass rose, cardinal points per pale of the second and per fess Argent and Gules, intermediate points of the first, grasping in sinister claw a cannonball Proper.
Motto
A scroll Gules, doubled Or, inscribed GALLANTRY IN ACTION of the last.
Shield
Blue, red and white are the colors traditionally associated with the United States Coast Guard. The blue and green colors used in the division of the shield, separated by a narrow line of yellow, refer to the flag of the Solomon Islands which shares a similar design. The Solomon Islands were the site of various battles during the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign during World War II. It was during this campaign that Boatswains Mate Second Class Harold Miller displayed extraordinary courage in his role as coxswain of Higgins Boat No. 3 of the USS MCKEAN. On August 7, 1942, Miller navigated his boat to Tulagi Island, alongside seven other landing craft, constituting the first American assault wave of the Guadalcanal Campaign. Over the course of three days, Harold Miller landed his embarked troops and made numerous ammunition and supply runs, back-and-forth under heavy enemy fire, between Tulagi Island and Guadalcanal Island. The up-and-down division of the shield is a characterization of the path Miller took as he guided Boat No. 3 to the different American positions. The green scales decorating the lower half of the shield are a reference to the Green Dragons, a nickname given to American APD vessels used during the Guadalcanal Campaign, such as the USS MCKEAN, due to their green camouflage paint. These ships have been credited with providing much of the support needed to make the invasion of the Solomons a success. The silver star at base refers to the Silver Star Medal awarded to Harold Miller for his heroic actions taken during these battles that contributed to the defeat of the enemy.
Crest
The fierce green dragon, illustrated in a traditional Asian style, further denotes Harold Millers involvement in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign. The dragons body is facing forward, but its head is facing backwards, looking over its shoulder in anticipation, just as the crew of the USCGC HAROLD MILLER has to remain constantly vigilant and aware of their surroundings. In its right claw, the dragon grasps a cannon ball, symbolizing the ammunition Harold Miller transported, as well as the impact and strength of the crew aboard the USCGC HAROLD MILLER. In center, the dragon is surmounted by a compass rose adapted from the Coxswain Badge, signifying Harold Millers role as coxswain. The compass also serves as a symbol of the advanced navigation system aboard the USCGC HAROLD MILLER. The central portion of the compass is divided into three colors--blue, white and red--in the style of the Texas flag, referring to the cutters homeport.
Scroll
The motto, GALLANTRY IN ACTION, is an excerpt from Harold Miller's Silver Star citation. The red and yellow coloring of the scroll is reminiscent of the ribbon design of the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, while the meandering folds echo the back and forth motion used within the shield to illustrate Harold Millers path.
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 HAROLD MILLER above and WPC 1138 below, all in gold.