Military

Frank Brownell's Medal of Honor

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.

Resource Type: Drawings

Morning on the Marne

A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing of American soldiers in the early morning on the Marne in France. Five American soldiers wearing olive drab uniforms and helmets can be seen walking along a dirt road lined with barbed wire.
Description
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing of American soldiers in the early morning on the Marne in France. Five American soldiers wearing olive drab uniforms and helmets can be seen walking along a dirt road lined with barbed wire. The soldiers are carrying rifles that are covered at the muzzle. Fields of yellow grass surround the soldiers. To the left of the soldiers, beyond the barbed wire, two soldiers are hazily seen in an encampment. Above the encampment, a biplane is flying with a white and blue stripe on the plane's rudder. The drawing is diffused with the yellow morning light. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25710
catalog number
25710
accession number
64592

Warrior Killing a Soldier

Unknown artist, about 1894“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”Ink and watercolorThis drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier.
Description
Unknown artist, about 1894
“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”
Ink and watercolor
This drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier. The artist depicts the warrior counting coup on his enemy by touching the fallen soldier with his riding whip (quirt). Counting coup - in this instance touching an adversary in battle - was considered an act of bravery that could gain war honors. This single event took place during a larger battle against many adversaries, as indicated by the large number of rifles at the left.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1875
date made
ca 1894
original artist
unknown
ID Number
GA.08111
accession number
1897.031963
catalog number
GA*08111
accession number
1897.31963

drawing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1916
associated date
1914 - 1918
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82658T10

Cheyenne Pictures. Warrior Killing a Soldier

Unknown artist, about 1894“Cheyenne Pictures. Standing Elk’s Horse Killed in Fight with Troops.”Pencil, ink, and watercolorThe central focus of this image is a wounded horse, bleeding from head and rump, being fired on by U.S. troops at the right.
Description
Unknown artist, about 1894
“Cheyenne Pictures. Standing Elk’s Horse Killed in Fight with Troops.”
Pencil, ink, and watercolor
The central focus of this image is a wounded horse, bleeding from head and rump, being fired on by U.S. troops at the right. Standing Elk, with his name glyph above him, has dismounted and appears to be safe from the rifle shots. The suggestion of concern by the warrior indicates the high value placed on horses by Plains tribesmen.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1894
original artist
unknown
ID Number
GA.08112
catalog number
GA*08112
accession number
1897.031963

On the Lookout for Game

Koba, aka Wild Horse,drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida"On the Lookout for Game"Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878Colored pencil, ink, and watercolorThis illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right.
Description
Koba, aka Wild Horse,
drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida
"On the Lookout for Game"
Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878
Colored pencil, ink, and watercolor
This illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right. Both men and women carry various supplies, bow and quiver cases, rifles, and umbrellas (a popular trade item). The route of the band is imaged using dashes on the ground. A scout keeps a lookout on the highest hill. The Kiowa hunt on foot, in the old way, though they use both old and new weapons.
date made
ca 1875-1878
original artist
Koba
ID Number
2008.0175.58
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.058

Street in Neufchâteau

Charcoal, wash, and gouache drawing on card. The work depicts a street scene in Neufchâteau, France. A woman carrying a basket walks down in the road, facing the viewer. A church's tower dominates the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, wash, and gouache drawing on card. The work depicts a street scene in Neufchâteau, France. A woman carrying a basket walks down in the road, facing the viewer. A church's tower dominates the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25669
catalog number
25669
accession number
64592

His Bunkie

Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave.
Description
Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave. Beside the cross are a helmet and what looks like a metal canister.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25661
catalog number
25661
accession number
64592

Untitled

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1784
Associated Date
1784
Associated Name
Chodowiecki, Daniel Nikolaus
ID Number
1985.0249.01
accession number
1985.0249
catalog number
1985.0249.01

Between Shells, Chateau Thierry

Charcoal and crayon drawing on paper of American soldiers rushing out of a shell-torn building during a pause in shelling. Two soldiers have left the building and are running across the building to the left.
Description
Charcoal and crayon drawing on paper of American soldiers rushing out of a shell-torn building during a pause in shelling. Two soldiers have left the building and are running across the building to the left. Two soldiers are visible in the doorway on their way out of the building, with outlines of more soldiers visible behind. All soldiers are in uniform with helmets and rifles with fixed bayonets. The building is white with several large holes in the walls and windows. Green shutters hang askew from the windows and a green door has been taken off its hinges. The doorway is surrounded by elaborate green trim. A black railing in front of the building is bent from damage. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "George Harding, Chateau Thierry"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Harding, George Matthews
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25737
catalog number
25737
accession number
64592

Americans Retourner Frenche

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1914 - 1918
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82658W76

The Church at Fossoy. (On the German Line of Retreat)

Graphite and gouache on paper mounted on heavy white card. The drawing shows a badly damaged church at Fossoy, France. There is a bare tree on the left.Currently not on view
Description
Graphite and gouache on paper mounted on heavy white card. The drawing shows a badly damaged church at Fossoy, France. There is a bare tree on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-26
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25671
catalog number
25671
accession number
64592

Store Front Dijon France April 6 1919

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919-04-06
date presented
1919-04-21
associated date
1919-04-06
1919-04-21
ID Number
AF.310601
catalog number
310601
accession number
64137

The Homecoming

Charcoal, oil, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a French soldier returning to his war-torn home.
Description
Charcoal, oil, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a French soldier returning to his war-torn home. The scene shows a French solider dressed in a blue uniform with a blue steel helmet leaning on his rifle (probably a Berthier Model 1916 Infantry Rifle or a Lebel Model 1886) with bayonet attached. An American soldier in uniform is standing behind the French soldier. The men are standing in the doorway of the French soldier's house which has recently been occupied by the retreating German Army. The house is in ruins with vases, chairs, a clock, and other objects scattered on the floor. One door has been partially shattered and the other has been torn from its hinges and is propped against the wall. Signed at the bottom left by the artist, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25721
catalog number
25721
accession number
64592

Camera-ready comic strip, entitled "Dan Flagg".

"Dan Flagg" was a comic adventure strip by artist Don Sherwood (d. 2010). Sherwood's service in the U.S. Marines, along with assisting Milton Caniff on "Terry and the Pirates" inspired him to draw "Dan Flagg" in 1963. The comic strip features the heroics of Marine Dan Flagg.
Description
"Dan Flagg" was a comic adventure strip by artist Don Sherwood (d. 2010). Sherwood's service in the U.S. Marines, along with assisting Milton Caniff on "Terry and the Pirates" inspired him to draw "Dan Flagg" in 1963. The comic strip features the heroics of Marine Dan Flagg. In this strip, Rita wants the yacht to sail despite an incoming storm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
07/09/1966
publisher
Bell-McClure Syndicate
graphic artist
Sherwood, Don
author
Thomas, Jerry
ID Number
GA.22627
catalog number
22627
accession number
277502

In Pursuit of the Enemy

Charcoal and crayon sketch on white paper. American troops in a shell-torn village. The soldier in center foreground has his bayonet fixed to his rifle. A deceased man and rifle lying on the ground at left.
Description
Charcoal and crayon sketch on white paper. American troops in a shell-torn village. The soldier in center foreground has his bayonet fixed to his rifle. A deceased man and rifle lying on the ground at left. Buildings, including a damaged church spire, line the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-24
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25734
catalog number
25734
accession number
64592

Taking Artillery Around the Mine Crater in the Road to Varennes

Charcoal sketch on paper. A large cross is surrounded by several smaller crosses, some bearing wreaths or ribbons, in the foreground. A group of soldiers is resting among the crosses. Some men appear to be eating.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. A large cross is surrounded by several smaller crosses, some bearing wreaths or ribbons, in the foreground. A group of soldiers is resting among the crosses. Some men appear to be eating. A group of soldiers, on foot and on horseback, ascend a small hill in the background. At the end of this procession is a large piece of artillery. On the right of the sketch is a crater; some soldiers are walking up and out of the depression while others are at work inside the crater.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25783
catalog number
25783
accession number
64592

Sunday Morning at Cunel

Charcoal and oil (possibly also pastel and watercolor) painting of fighting on a Sunday morning at Cunel in France. Depicted are two American soldiers sheltering behind an embankment in the woods.
Description
Charcoal and oil (possibly also pastel and watercolor) painting of fighting on a Sunday morning at Cunel in France. Depicted are two American soldiers sheltering behind an embankment in the woods. The soldier in the background is wearing a camouflaged helmet and uniform and is lying on his stomach aiming his rifle (probably an M1903 Springfield). The soldier in the foreground is wounded with bloody bandages on his arm. He is lying on his side next to the second soldier. His rifle is lying on the hill to his left. In the distance at right are vague outlines of more soldiers moving through the woods. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25714
catalog number
25714
accession number
64592

Troops Waiting to Advance at Hattonchâtel - St. Mihiel Drive

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on paper. The work depicts a group of American soldiers waiting to advance in Hattonchâtel, France. The soldiers appear at rest--sitting and talking with one another.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on paper. The work depicts a group of American soldiers waiting to advance in Hattonchâtel, France. The soldiers appear at rest--sitting and talking with one another.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25676
catalog number
25676
accession number
64592

Rounding up Boche Prisoners

Charcoal, crayon, gouache, and blue wash drawing on heavy textured cream wove paper. The work depicts American soldiers marching German ("Boche") prisoners of war (unarmed, in green uniforms) through a street in a recaptured village on the Marne.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, gouache, and blue wash drawing on heavy textured cream wove paper. The work depicts American soldiers marching German ("Boche") prisoners of war (unarmed, in green uniforms) through a street in a recaptured village on the Marne. A woman is sitting inside one of the badly damaged buildings lining the street. Deceased German soldiers are lying on the ground in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
1918-07-01
1918-07-01
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25747
catalog number
25747
accession number
64592

French Engineers Clearing Wreckage of Bridge Château-Thierry

Charcoal, gouache, and oil on paper. The work depicts a group of French engineers (in blue uniforms) clearing the wreckage of a bridge in Château-Thierry, France. A section of the bridge has entirely collapsed into the water.
Description
Charcoal, gouache, and oil on paper. The work depicts a group of French engineers (in blue uniforms) clearing the wreckage of a bridge in Château-Thierry, France. A section of the bridge has entirely collapsed into the water. On the left, two American soldiers sit on an intact section of the bridge. The shell-torn buildings of the town line the far side of the water.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25684A
catalog number
25684A
accession number
64592

Dressing Station in a Culvert in the Road

Charcoal drawing on white paper of a medical dressing station for wounded soldiers. The first aid station is built into a ditch or culvert on the side of a road. American soldiers can be seen being treated for their wounds.
Description
Charcoal drawing on white paper of a medical dressing station for wounded soldiers. The first aid station is built into a ditch or culvert on the side of a road. American soldiers can be seen being treated for their wounds. In the foreground are injured soldiers in shadow; behind them the light shines on more soldiers receiving treatment, both on the ground and standing. A couple of shelves hold supplies. There are broken tree branches hanging over the ditch. On the road, at the top background, there is an ambulance with the Red Cross emblem on its side.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Morgan, Wallace
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25766
catalog number
25766
accession number
64592

Vanquished by the Boche Plane

Charcoal and crayon drawing on heavy textured cream wove paper. The work depicts two Allied aircraft burning and falling from the sky as two men descend in parachutes.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and crayon drawing on heavy textured cream wove paper. The work depicts two Allied aircraft burning and falling from the sky as two men descend in parachutes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-27
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25748
catalog number
25748
accession number
64592

Champs des Mars

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Soldiers in the Champs des Mars, World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Soldiers in the Champs des Mars, World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-03-25
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25962
catalog number
25962
accession number
64592

Street in Neufchâteau

Pastel with crayon, wash, and gouache on heavy white card. French village scene with a pastry shop in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Pastel with crayon, wash, and gouache on heavy white card. French village scene with a pastry shop in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25668
catalog number
25668
accession number
64592

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