Fort McHenry (LSD 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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SHIELD: The Wavy bars refer to the Chesapeake Bay. The pile suggests the peninsula between Balti- more harbor and the mouth of the Patapsco River, a strategic location in the defense of Baltimore. The fort on the pile denotes Fort McHenry ' s location on the Whetstone Peninsula in the upper Chesapeake Bay. The fort was named for James McHenry, Secretary of War under President John Adams. The trefoil on the red cross symbolizes McHenry ' s immigration from Ireland to Philadelphia where he studied medicine and later volunteered as a surgeon during the Revolutionary War. The red cross, a symbol for medical establishments, also recalls the use of the fort as a military hospital during World War I. The colors blue and gold are traditionally associated with the Navy. CREST: The eagle, symbol of the United States, grasps a representation of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 and was the inspiration for Francis Scott Key ' s Star Spangled Banner. The bomb stands for the bombardment of the fort by the British fleet. The eagle standing on the bomb holding the United States flag high indicates the fort ' s successful defense against the British. SEAL: The complete coat of arms is in full color and is emblazed upon a white field, enclosed by a blue oblong border which is inscribed USS FORT MC HENRY at the top and LSD 4. at the bottom. The outer edge is a continuous gold rope. MOTTO: DOMUS FORTIUM (Home at the Brave).