The Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman was written in 1938 by Vice Admiral Harry G. Hamlet, who served as Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1932 to 1936.[1][2] According to former Commandant Robert Papp, the Creed described the duties and responsibilities that binds the group of Coast Guardsmen together as "shipmates".[3]
- I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman.
- I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world.
- I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged.
- I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders.
- I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share.
- I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties.
- I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems.
- I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others.
- I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live.
- I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril.
- With God’s help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works...
- A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN.
