Ship's Crest

SHIELD: Per chevron enhanced Celeste and Azure, a chevron rompu enhanced Or charged with four caltrops Gules, between a spray of seven mullets in chief Argent, and in base a heraldic salamander reflexed and incensed of the third, detailed of the fourth and gorged with a collar of the first charged with a mullet of the fifth.

CREST: Issuant from a wreath of the colors Or and Azure, between two palm fronds Proper, a stylized Mount Suribachi Tenné and Vert outlined Sable, below a caltrop faceted alternating Or and Sable, edged of the last.

SUPPORTERS: A USMC Officer Mameluke sword and a USMC NCO sword in saltire, points downward Proper.

MOTTO: On a bi-partite scroll Gules trimmed and doubled Or, inscribed “PEACE WE SEEK” “PEACE WE KEEP” in Gold letters.

Symbolism

SHIELD:  The colors dark blue and gold are traditional colors associated with the United States Navy. The principle charge is a gold chevron fractured and dislocated upward to symbolize the breakthrough of the Iwo Jima beachhead and, most importantly, the Japanese bunkers overrun by “Woody” Williams with the support of the 3rd Marine Division infantrymen indicated by four red caltrops.  Hershel Williams’ heroism is embodied in the ancient heraldic charge of a gold salamander, thought in medieval times to be capable of breathing fire.  The salamander’s amphibious nature reflects the Marine Corps’ mission and the flame thrower’s deadly reach.  Both the collar and the shield’s chief display the Medal of Honor ribbon awarded to “Woody” Williams for his exceptional valor on the island of Iwo Jima in WWII.

CREST:  The palm fronds recall the Pacific Theatre.  Mount Suribachi was the primary conquest on Iwo Jima and the location where Hershel “Woody” Williams’ courage and fearlessness earned him the Medal of Honor.  The gold and black caltrop represents the 3rd Marine Division under which his unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance was instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fervently defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment. 

SEAL:  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oblong field within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold naval chain border and bearing the name USS HERSHEL “WOODY” WILLIAMS at the top and ESB 4 at the base.