Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff The flag was approved by the Secretary of Defense on 6 December 1949.  The background is divided diagonally from upper hoist to lower fly with medium blue above white.  Centered on the flag is an American bald eagle with wings spread horizontally, in proper colors.  The talons grasp three crossed arrows.  A shield with blue chief and 13 red and white stripes is on the eagle’s breast.  Diagonally, from upper fly to lower hoist are four five-pointed stars, two white on the medium blue, and two medium blue on the white.  The fringe is yellow.  Cord and tassels are medium blue and white.   Information & Plaques  Courtesy of  The Institute of Heraldry