Office of the Secretary of Defense The flag was approved by the President of the United States on 7 October 1947.  The background is medium blue on which is centered an American bald eagle, with a white five-pointed star in each corner.  The eagle’s wings are displayed horizontally; its talons grasp three crossed arrows, all in proper colors.  A shield with blue chief and 13 red and white vertical stripes is on the eagle’s breast.  The fringe is white.  Cord and tassels are medium blue and white.   Information & Plaques  Courtesy of  The Institute of Heraldry