Shield. Gold, red and white make up the ribbon color scheme of the Gold Lifesaving Medal, recognizing Charles Moulthrope’s bravery in the face of great danger. Charles Moulthrope rescued four shipmates after their small boat capsized while unsuccessfully trying to rescue a fifth shipmate. The Bowen knot denotes his heroic actions of jumping into freezing water, gathering the four men up with a line and hauling them in with superhuman effort. The Bering Bog Orchid blossoms and anchor symbolize the Bering Sea where Moulthrope served and died. Today, the orchids grow near his gravesite in Unalaska, Alaska.
Crest. The wreath adopts the first-named metal and color from the shield and blazon. The cutter foremast exemplifies the motto, “BEFORE THE MAST,” and alludes to Moulthrope’s fall to death trying to untangle and lower the U.S. Revenue Cutter Perry pennant just days after saving four shipmates. The Revenue Cutter Service pennant and seal honor the many enlisted men who, like Charles Moulthrope, served “before the mast” in what would become our modern day Coast Guard.
Motto. The ship’s motto, “BEFORE THE MAST,” celebrates Charles Moulthrope as the only Revenue Cutter Service sailor to receive the honor of having a Coast Guard cutter named after him.
Supporters. The Coast Guard Officer’s sword and enlisted cutlass represent the authority, professionalism and dedication of the crew in the accomplishment of their mission.
Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a light blue disc within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name “USCGC CHARLES MOULTHROPE” at the top and “WPC1141” at the base in gold.