USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726)

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USCGC MIDGETT (WHEC-726)

Official blazon

SHIELD: Azure, a life-ring Proper, on a chief wavy Argent a fleur-de-lis of the first and overall two seaxes points up saltirewise Proper.
CREST: From a wreath Argent and Azure two oars saltirewise Proper surmounted by a cross paty Or and overall two broadswords hilts to base saltirewise Proper.
MOTTO: A scroll Or edged doubled and inscribed 'Dedicatio, Servitium, Excellentia' Azure.

Origin/meaning

SHIELD: Blue represents the Coast Guard and the sea, particularly the Pacific Ocean where Midgett's patrol duties are usually carried out. The life-ring emphasizes the ship's search and rescue mission and Humanitarian Service Patrols made during foreign port visits. Military readiness and maritime law enforcement are denoted by the seaxes, referring to authority and the weaponry required to implement it. The French origins of CWO John Allen Midgett, the ship's namesake, are recalled by the fleur-de-lis, also signifying service in foreign ports. White denotes integrity and dedication to duty.

CREST: The oars represent the search and rescue mission which in 1920 earned CWO Midgett a gold medal for gallantry in lifesaving and a silver cup from the British Board of Trade. The gold cross denotes the award of the American Cross of Honor to CWO Midgett and his crew for the same incident, the rescue of the crew of the British tank steamer, Mirlo, torpedoed by a German raider. The cross refers also to St. Michael, depicted on the Midgett family coat of arms. The crossed swords are also derived from the Midgett arms and represent military readiness and the ability to give battle. Gold denotes excellence.

Approved by Receiving Officer, September 1997. The Institute of Heraldry, April 1998.

Literature:Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.