Military

The Museum's superb military collections document the history of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States. The collections include ordnance, firearms, and swords; uniforms and insignia; national and military flags and banners; and many other objects.

The strength of the collections lies in their enormous depth. Some 3,000 military small arms and 2,400 civilian firearms document the mechanical and technological history of the infantryman's weapons from the beginning of the gunpowder era to the present. Among the 4,000 swords and knives in the collection are many spectacular presentation pieces. The collections also include Civil War era telegraph equipment, home front artifacts from both world wars, early computers such as ENIAC, Whirlwind, and Sage, and materials carried at antiwar demonstrations.

Physical DescriptionCamouflage-lined army helmet with single strap. Two flechettes crossed in the front center of the helmet. On the side of the helmet are the names of the months from May 1969 to April 1970, written in ink and crossed through.
Description
Physical Description
Camouflage-lined army helmet with single strap. Two flechettes crossed in the front center of the helmet. On the side of the helmet are the names of the months from May 1969 to April 1970, written in ink and crossed through. A book of matches is tucked into the lining.
General History
This type of helmet is known as a "steel pot" helmet.
Date made
ca 1968
user
Turner, Terry T.
ID Number
1999.0167.06
accession number
1999.0167
catalog number
1999.0167.06
Physical DescriptionDark green helmet with red painted lettering on the front.Specific HistoryThis flight helmet was worn by John Lynch on the day he was injured, 2 July 1967. The helmet has bullet holes on the visor area and blood stains on the chin strap.
Description
Physical Description
Dark green helmet with red painted lettering on the front.
Specific History
This flight helmet was worn by John Lynch on the day he was injured, 2 July 1967. The helmet has bullet holes on the visor area and blood stains on the chin strap.
Associated Date
1967-07-02
user
Lynch, John
ID Number
2004.0003.16
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.16
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca. 1968
user
Turner, Terry T.
ID Number
1999.0167.02
accession number
1999.0167
catalog number
1999.0167.02
U.S. Special Forces, named the Green Berets in 1962, were among the first American soldiers sent to Vietnam. Their mission was to train and lead American allies against communist forces.
Description
U.S. Special Forces, named the Green Berets in 1962, were among the first American soldiers sent to Vietnam. Their mission was to train and lead American allies against communist forces.
date made
ca 1962
maker
Dorothea Knitting Mills, Ltd.
ID Number
2013.0313.01
accession number
2013.0313
catalog number
2013.0313.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944-1961
maker
Ruohomaa, Kosti
ID Number
PG.007326
catalog number
7326
accession number
252971
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Captain Easy comic strip shows the title character enjoying the fictitious Mediterranean Republic of Dizmaylia with his date, Lolita.
Description (Brief)
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Captain Easy comic strip shows the title character enjoying the fictitious Mediterranean Republic of Dizmaylia with his date, Lolita. He later discovers that she works for his enemies.
Leslie Turner (1899-1988) prepared freelance illustrations in Dallas in his early years. When he sold a cartoon to Judge, he moved to New York and began contributing to publications such as Redbook and Pictorial Review. In 1937 Turner took a job as an assistant to Roy Crane, creator of the Captain Easy newspaper strip, which was then called Wash Tubbs. Turner took over the strip in 1943 and continued to draw it, with some assistance from Walt Scott, until he retired in 1970.
Captain Easy, (1933-1988) an adventure strip originally called Wash Tubbs, starred an eccentric character named Washington Tubbs II. The Captain Easy character was included in a supporting role. In 1933 creator Roy Crane retitled the strip and remodeled it to highlight the new protagonist who joined the U.S. army during World War II, and later became a private detective.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1966-08-14
graphic artist
Turner, Leslie
publisher
NEA, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22332
catalog number
22332
accession number
277502
This sheet music is for the song "The Ballad of the Green Berets," with words and music by Barry Sadler and Robin Moore. It was published by Cimino Publications Inc. in New York, New York, in 1963.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "The Ballad of the Green Berets," with words and music by Barry Sadler and Robin Moore. It was published by Cimino Publications Inc. in New York, New York, in 1963. This song, popular in 1966, praised the Green Berets' work in Vietnam, at about the time when the public response to American participation in the war began to include radical opposition.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1963
publisher
Cimino Publications, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0830.22
accession number
1983.0830
catalog number
1983.0830.22
"Beetle Bailey" was created and continues to be drawn by Mort Walker (b. 1923). The comic strip centers around characters on Camp Swampy, a fictitious United States Army military post.
Description
"Beetle Bailey" was created and continues to be drawn by Mort Walker (b. 1923). The comic strip centers around characters on Camp Swampy, a fictitious United States Army military post. The main character, Beetle Bailey, is consistently lazy, drawing negative attention towards him and causing antics on the post. In this strip, the General is briefing his men on battle plans. He soon learns that asking his men for criticisms was the wrong plan.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
07/03/1966
graphic artist
Walker, Mort
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22601
catalog number
22601
accession number
277502
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Beetle Bailey comic strip shows Beetle asking what the Chaplain thinks about sneaking naps after being told “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”Addison Morton "Mort" Walker (1923- ) was first published at age eleven, and soon afterward was
Description (Brief)
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Beetle Bailey comic strip shows Beetle asking what the Chaplain thinks about sneaking naps after being told “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Addison Morton "Mort" Walker (1923- ) was first published at age eleven, and soon afterward was drawing a weekly cartoon for the Kansas City Journal. After U.S. Army service in World War II, Walker began drawing a cartoon named Spider for the Saturday Evening Post. King Features Syndicate later contracted with him for the related comic strip devoted to the character Beetle Bailey. Walker also wrote for Hi and Lois, considered to be a spin-off of Beetle Bailey. More recently Walker has drawn the strip with the help of his sons.
Beetle Bailey (1950- ), a private in the U.S. Army, is regularly looking for a way to avoid doing work. He is memorable because his eyes are always covered by a hat or helmet. The strip location originally took place on a college campus but after a year Walker reimagined the location of the strip as a U.S. Army base called "Camp Swampy," where the characters seem to be stationed in never-ending basic training.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1966-09-24
graphic artist
Walker, Mort
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22533
catalog number
22533
accession number
277502
This pen-and-ink drawing prepared for the Dan Flagg comic strip shows the title character and companions aboard a yacht in trouble during a storm. Flagg tries to calm the other passengers and announces the arrival of the U.S.
Description (Brief)
This pen-and-ink drawing prepared for the Dan Flagg comic strip shows the title character and companions aboard a yacht in trouble during a storm. Flagg tries to calm the other passengers and announces the arrival of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Don Sherwood (1930-2010) spent his youth preparing to be a comic artist and after serving as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War assisted on Terry and the Pirates. In 1963 he debuted his own strip, Dan Flagg, inspired by the U.S. Marine Corps. After Dan Flagg was canceled in 1967, Sherwood began drawing for Hanna-Barbera, Columbia Pictures, the comic book The Phantom, and The Flintstones comic strip.
Dan Flagg (1963-1967) was an adventure comic strip that premiered during the Vietnam War. As World War II had been a popular subject matter for comic strips in the 1940s, publishers thought that comic strips about the Vietnam War would be just as popular. However, though readers thought Dan Flagg was an entertaining character, increasing opposition to the Vietnam War prevented the strip from enjoying sufficient popularity. Dan Flagg was dropped by its syndicate in 1965 and canceled permanently in 1967.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1966-07-24
publisher
Bell-McClure Syndicate
graphic artist
Sherwood, Don
author
Thomas, Jerry
ID Number
GA.22575
catalog number
22575
accession number
277502
Although the Salem, Massachusetts privateer Rhodes was less than 98 feet long, it had a crew of 90. Privateers needed large crews not only to intimidate their prey and hopefully make them surrender quickly, but also to overpower their enemies if a battle occurred.
Description
Although the Salem, Massachusetts privateer Rhodes was less than 98 feet long, it had a crew of 90. Privateers needed large crews not only to intimidate their prey and hopefully make them surrender quickly, but also to overpower their enemies if a battle occurred. After a fight, the winner also needed to put a “prize” crew aboard to sail the captured vessel into port, where the ship and contents could be inventoried and sold. The auction proceeds were then distributed among the owners, the ship officers and the crew.
The three-masted ship Rhodes was sharply built for speed and heavily armed, with 20 cannon. Despite these features, it was captured on a cruise in the West Indies by H.M.S. ship Prothé in February 1782. It was taken back to England, where its hull shape was drawn on paper to document how it might have obtained its speed. The Royal Navy then purchased it and renamed it H.M.S. Barbadoes.
Date made
1962
privateer captured
1782-02
ID Number
TR.320667
catalog number
320667
accession number
245900
Physical DescriptionPrinted card stock.General HistoryThis card entitled “Nine Rules For Personnel of US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam” was carried by soldiers.
Description
Physical Description
Printed card stock.
General History
This card entitled “Nine Rules For Personnel of US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam” was carried by soldiers. The card reads: "Rules: The Vietnamese have paid a heavy price in suffering for their long fight against the communists. We military men are in Vietnam now because their government has asked us to help its soldiers and people in winning their struggle. The Viet Cong will attempt to turn the Vietnamese people against you. You can defeat them at every turn by the strength, understanding, and generosity you display with the people. Here are nine simple rules: 1.) Remember we are guests here: We make no demands and seek no special treatment. 2.) Join with the people! Understand their life, use phrases from their language and honor their customs and laws. 3.) Treat women with politeness and respect. 4.) Make personal friends among the soldiers and common people. 5.) Always give the Vietnamese the right of way. 6.) Be alert to security and ready to react with your military skill. 7.) Don't attract attention by loud, rude or unusual behavior. 8.) Avoid separating yourself from the people by a display of wealth or privilege. 9.) Above all else you are members of the U.S. Military Forces on a difficult mission, responsible for all your official and personal actions. Reflect honor upon yourself and the United States of America."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1967
1967
associated date
1966 - 1973
ID Number
AF.76367M
catalog number
76367M
accession number
303435
303435
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca. 1968
associated date
1965-1975
ID Number
1999.0167.03
accession number
199.0167
catalog number
1999.0167.03
Mr. Breger (also published as Private Breger and G.I. Joe during World War II) was created by Dave Breger (1908-1970), syndicated by King Features from 1946-1960s. Breger has been credited with creating the term "G.I.
Description
Mr. Breger (also published as Private Breger and G.I. Joe during World War II) was created by Dave Breger (1908-1970), syndicated by King Features from 1946-1960s. Breger has been credited with creating the term "G.I. Joe", replacing the term "Yank" to describe American soldiers. The comic is a gag-panel about life in the military. In this comic, The Bregers go to the attorney to discover what Mr. Breger's uncle willed to him.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
8/21/1966
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22334
catalog number
22334
Physical DescriptionPrinted paper.General HistoryThe Geneva Convention provides: "Each Party to a conflict is required to furnish the persons under its jurisdiction who are liable to become prisoners of war, with an identity card showing the owner's surname, first names, rank, ar
Description
Physical Description
Printed paper.
General History
The Geneva Convention provides: "Each Party to a conflict is required to furnish the persons under its jurisdiction who are liable to become prisoners of war, with an identity card showing the owner's surname, first names, rank, army, regimental, personal or serial number or equivalent information, and date of birth. The identity card may, furthermore, bear the signature or the fingerprints, or both, of the owner, and may bear, as well, any other information the Party to the conflict may wish to add concerning persons belonging to its armed forces. As far as possible the card shall measure 6.5 x 10 cm. and shall be issued in duplicate. The identity card shall be shown by the prisoner of war upon demand, but may in no case be taken away from him."
Location
Currently not on view
date issued
after 1964
ID Number
AF.76359M
catalog number
76359M
accession number
303435
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1965-1966
associated date
1775
maker
Cook, Harold J.
ID Number
AF.59472-N
catalog number
59472-N
accession number
270022
Peter Kemp, Baltimore’s best known 19th-century shipbuilder, worked in the Fells Point area. He built the square topsail schooner Lynx in 1812 for just under $10,000. It measured 97 feet long and 25 tons, a bit larger than the swift pilot boats after which it was modeled.
Description
Peter Kemp, Baltimore’s best known 19th-century shipbuilder, worked in the Fells Point area. He built the square topsail schooner Lynx in 1812 for just under $10,000. It measured 97 feet long and 25 tons, a bit larger than the swift pilot boats after which it was modeled. Pilot boats had to be fast, for the first one that reached a vessel offshore won the job to lead it through local waters into the port facilities.
The Lynx was a letter of marque—a merchant vessel authorized to take prizes—rather than a privateer designed and built only to raid enemy shipping. Letters of marque were armed merchant vessels which were granted the authority to chase enemy merchantmen during the normal course of business, if an opportunity arose. Unlike privateers, letter of marque vessels paid their crews a regular wage, and their income did not depend on income from enemy ships. As a result, the Lynx carried only six guns and a 40-man crew instead of the many guns and big crews of privateers.
Lynx served less than a year before it was captured by a British fleet of 17 vessels while trying to run a blockade off the Rappahannock River, Virginia. Renamed the Mosquidobit, it served in the British naval squadron blockading Chesapeake Bay. At the end of the War of 1812, it served against France. In recognition of its superior sailing characteristics, its hull shape was recorded by the Royal Navy. In 1820, it resumed service as a private merchant vessel.
Date made
1964
Associated Date
19th century
shipbuilder
Kemp, Peter
ID Number
TR.323263
catalog number
323263
accession number
249753
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Buz Sawyer comic strip shows U.S. Air Force jets flying close to Tam’s plane, as Buz tries to signal that he and Tam are not the enemy.Royston Campbell "Roy" Crane (1901-1977) studied art in Chicago.
Description (Brief)
This pen-and-ink drawing produced for the Buz Sawyer comic strip shows U.S. Air Force jets flying close to Tam’s plane, as Buz tries to signal that he and Tam are not the enemy.
Royston Campbell "Roy" Crane (1901-1977) studied art in Chicago. He started a short-lived strip called Wash Tubbs in 1924, and Captain Easy in 1929, as an outlet for ideas from his own travels through Central America. Later, in 1943, Crane launched Buz Sawyer which, unlike Captain Easy, allowed him ownership of all the rights to his strip. Crane drew the strip with the help of assistants until the 1960s, when he retired because of health issues.
Buz Sawyer (1943-1989) told the story of World War II U.S. Navy fighter pilot John Singer “Buz” Sawyer. With the real-life end of the war, Buz's life changed with his marriage and the birth of his son. By the early 1950s Buz is shown as returning to the U.S. Navy and later fighting in the Vietnam War. The strip was continued into the late 1980s but the Sunday version of the strip was discontinued in 1974.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1966-06-24
graphic artist
Crane, Roy
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22438
catalog number
22438
accession number
277502
This 1965 Whitman Publishing Co, coloring book presents Superman in "The Missile Base Mystery." The book's narrative of sabotage at a U.S.
Description (Brief)
This 1965 Whitman Publishing Co, coloring book presents Superman in "The Missile Base Mystery." The book's narrative of sabotage at a U.S. army base would have been especially resonant to children at the height of the nation's cold war with Russia.
The character of Superman first flew into action in 1938. The costumed superhero was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland Ohio, who used, among other things, Classical mythology, philosopher Fredrich Nietzche's concept of the "uber mensch," and the era's popular science fiction and adventure writing, for inspiration.
With his debut in Action Comics #1, Superman became an instant sensation with audiences, inspired by the "Man of Tomorrow's" virtue and heroics at time when the Nation was slowly emerging from the economic catastrophe of the Great Depression and moving closer to World War.
Born on the doomed planet Krypton, Superman was sent to Earth as a child, where our world's yellow sun granted him extraordinary powers such as flight, super-strength, near-invulnerability, as well as other extraordinary abilities including heat and X-Ray vision. As an adult living in the city of Metropolis, the alien, born Kal-El, protects his identity by assuming the persona of Clark Kent, a "mild-mannered" journalist.
Fighting for "Truth and Justice," Superman birthed a cultural fascination with superheroes, and has become one of the most recognizable and influential fictional characters in history. In addition to comic books, the character has been explored in all forms of media, including radio, television, and film, and has been used to promote a variety of successful consumer products, educational initiatives and public service campaigns.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1965
publisher
Western Publishing Company, Incorporated
Western Publishing Company, Incorporated
ID Number
1987.0213.140
accession number
1987.0213
catalog number
1987.0213.140
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
licensee
Stoner, Eugene M.
maker
Colt Defense LLC
ID Number
AF.73604M
catalog number
73604M
accession number
287958
serial number
GX5631
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
AF.66947M
catalog number
66947M
accession number
239662
serial number
102
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960
licensee
Stoner, Eugene M.
maker
Colt Defense LLC
ID Number
AF.69458M
catalog number
69458M
accession number
267516
serial number
001627
accession number
267516
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1968
licensee
Stoner, Eugene M.
maker
Colt Defense LLC
Colt Industries
ID Number
AF.73601M
catalog number
73601M
accession number
287958
serial number
1475920
During the period of North American colonization and early settlement, sloops formed the backbone of the trade along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and to the West Indies. They often sailed as smugglers and warships, too.
Description
During the period of North American colonization and early settlement, sloops formed the backbone of the trade along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and to the West Indies. They often sailed as smugglers and warships, too. This armed example from the late 1760s, with oars to maneuver in calms, is similar to craft used by Caribbean pirates a century earlier.
Little coastal sloops were the tractor-trailers of the colonial period, populating the waters along the eastern coast of North America right down to the Caribbean islands. Heavily built for bad weather and rough sea conditions, they were simple to sail, roomy for lots of cargo and passengers, easily handled by small crews, relatively swift, and usually armed for self defense wherever they might sail. They were also simple to build and inexpensive, so that if one were lost, it might not cause a crippling financial loss to its owners.
Date made
1960
date made
1768
maker
Arthur G. Henning Inc.
ID Number
TR.318281
catalog number
318281
accession number
234477

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