United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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PHOTO: MICHAEL S. YAMASHIT Clockwise from left: Trooping the line during a Fall Formal Review; de- tailed shot of the Battle Standard; and marching on the Colors during a Formal Review. Upon entering Wiley Hall, one steps onto the Academy Quarterdeck. Locat- ed in the center are a ship’s wheel, ship’s binnacle, four rifles, and three flags. Every officer and midshipman who enters or departs Wiley Hall renders a salute to the Colors before proceeding. The three flags, curiously enough, are the U.S. Ensign, the Academy flag, and the Academy Battle Standard. The Battle Standard is a silent remind- er of the 142 cadet-midshipmen who were lost in action during the World War II. Unlike the other academies, Kings Point is the only federal training institu- tion which has sent her undergraduates out into the combat world to face the enemy and for those 142, to perish in his hands. The background of the Battle Stan- dard is thirteen red and white stripes without stars. This was adopted as the first merchant flag of the United States by the Continental Congress, but never confirmed by its Federal successor un- der the Constitution. Centered on the striped background is a modification of the Academy seal which is an eagle above a shield having the same horizon- tal stripes and an anchor. Located just below and toward the outside edge is a blue compass rose with the numerals 142 for the lost cadet-midshipmen. The colored streamers on the tip of the staff signify the Cadet Corps’ battle honors. The Battle Standard represents a way of life. One which only Kings Pointers can truly appreciate. PHOTO: TIM WHALEN