Standing upon the Western Hemisphere of the terrestrial globe containing the lines of latitude and topographical outlines of North, Central, and South America, an American Bald Eagle with wings displayed horizontally and inverted holding in his beak a scroll inscribed with the motto "Semper Fidelis", all bronze. Behind the Western Hemisphere a foul anchor bendwise sinister with stock, arms, and flukes in slight perspective, all bronze, on a scarlet background and within a dark blue band edged in gold circumscribed by a gold rope rim and inscribed "DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY - UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS" in gold letters. The central device of the seal is the emblem of the United States Marine Corps.
The globe on the emblem signifies service in any part of the world. The eagle is our national symbol. The anchor, whose origin dates back to the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775, indicates the amphibious nature of the Marine Corps mission.
The design was approved by the President of the United States by Executive Order 10538 dated June 22, 1954 (The Institute of Heraldry drawing 6-1-7). The policy for use of the Marine Corps Emblem is established in Marine Corps Order #5030.3.