SHIELD
Per cross and per saltier wavy Or and Azure, in fess point a demi-lion rampant Gules holding up a lozenge of the second.
CREST
On a wreath Or and Gules in front of a demi-globe Or a wreath of laurel Vert surmounted by a mullet point down Azure edged Or having radiant from four angles four small mullets of the last and surmounted at center by an annulet encircling a cross pate convex Or charged with a torteau.
MOTTO
On a scroll Azure doubled Or the inscription "EXERCITATUS CONSERVATUS PARATUS" in gold letters.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS VANDEGRIFT" at top and "FFG 48" in base, all in gold.
SHIELD
On a field gyronny gold and blue, the colors traditionally associated with the Navy, a scarlet demi-lion symbolizing courage and strength holds a blue lozenge, emblem of the 1st Marine Division, which fought under General Vandegrift's command against the Japanese at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The four gold sectors of the shield represent the continents where General Vandegrift served during the greater part of his outstanding career--North and South America, Asia and Australia. The blue sectors represent the oceans and the Navy, also alluded to by the wavy diagonals.
CREST
General Vandegrift's awards and decorations are represented in the crest-the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Medal, the last referred to by the blue around the cross. The five Bronze Stars awarded to the General are recalled by the points of the Medal of Honor, and his distinction as the first active duty Marine officer to reach four-star rank is symbolized by the four stars surrounding the crest. The adversary, Japan, against whom General Vandegrift distinguished himself in combat, is alluded to by the red roundle at the center of the crest. The red and the gold colored demi-globe also represents the Marine Corps. The laurel wreath symbolizes the many other awards and decorations General Vandegrift earned throughout his career, as well as his academic achievements and degrees.