SHIELD
Azure (Dark Blue) on a chief dancetty of three Celeste fimbriated Argent, two reindeer heads caboshed Or, issuant from base a demi-trident of the third, the tines interlaced with four mullets of the fourth; on a bend of the like a silhouette of husky dogs hauling a sled Sable.
CREST
On a wreath Argent and Azure (Dark Blue) the crossed anchor insignia of the Coast Guard Or surmounted by a representation of the vessel "Bear" in silhouette Sable. SEAL The arms as blazoned upon a White disc enclosed within a Dark Blue band edged on the outside with Gold rope and inscribed at top "USCGC BERTHOLF" and in base" WMSL 750" in Gold.
SHIELD
Celeste (Light Blue) and Argent represent the Coast Guard, Dark Blue symbolizes round the clock preparedness for ocean duty in the protection of United States waters and the enforcement of maritime law. The reindeer heads and dogsled recall the rescue operation in which 2d Lt. Bertholf participated to reach 265 trapped men in ice-locked whaling ships in the Bering Sea. The dancetty division of the shield represents the Arctic conditions encountered by the expedition and the eight trapped vessels. The demi-trident signifies authority at sea; the four mullets recall Bertholf's appointment as first Commandant of the Coast Guard. Gold denotes excellence and mission accomplishment.
CREST
The revenue cutter "Bear", which carried Bertholf's rescue party to the vicinity of Cape Vancouver, is represented by the silhouette of the ship. Bertholf's later achievements as the first Commandant of the United States Coast Guard are recalled by the crossed anchors of the Coast Guard insignia which symbolize the service's achievements past, present and future. Black and Gold signify respectively endurance and excellence.
MOTTO
On a Dark Blue scroll doubled Gold the inscription "LEGENDS BEGIN HERE" in Gold letters.