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.

Name: War Department

Chateau Thierry and the Valley

Pencil sketch (with other media) of the Valley of the Marne. Hills and Chateau Thierry in the background. Shell torn trees and building in foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil sketch (with other media) of the Valley of the Marne. Hills and Chateau Thierry in the background. Shell torn trees and building in foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25818
catalog number
25818
accession number
64592

Town in German Alsace

Ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing depicts a street in the shadow of the buildings on the left side of the street. Two American soldiers are in the drawing: one in the far left foreground, and one walking in the center of the street. Women in the street behind the soldier.
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing depicts a street in the shadow of the buildings on the left side of the street. Two American soldiers are in the drawing: one in the far left foreground, and one walking in the center of the street. Women in the street behind the soldier. A flag flies from one of the buildings in the background; it appears to be a French flag. The catalog card reads: "Town in German Alsace now in the American Zone and patrolled by American Military police. Massevaux in the Doller Valley."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25890
catalog number
25890
accession number
64592

San Mihiel Drive

Lithographic crayon sketch. A large tree dominates this scene. Troops are advancing down a road from the left foreground to the right background. A shell-torn building is in the left background; wagon, men, and horses are in its yard. Ruined clock tower on far left.
Description
Lithographic crayon sketch. A large tree dominates this scene. Troops are advancing down a road from the left foreground to the right background. A shell-torn building is in the left background; wagon, men, and horses are in its yard. Ruined clock tower on far left. A soldier mounted on a horse is in roughly the center of the scene. Beige textured wove paper. On the bottom edge of the mount is an inscription that reads: "Troops leisurely advancing in St. Mihiel drive by/the ruins of Sichprey [sic], Sept. 13/18."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-13
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704C
catalog number
25704C
accession number
64592

Bridge at Echternach

Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25955
catalog number
25955
accession number
64592

Flying Field at Issoudun

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Field Number One at Issoudun, France. The busy airfield depicted here was part of a large training complex for the U.S. Air Service during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Field Number One at Issoudun, France. The busy airfield depicted here was part of a large training complex for the U.S. Air Service during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25984
catalog number
25984
accession number
64592

Entrance to the Old Chateau, Granpre

Charcoal sketch on heavy white card stock. The work depicts a chateau in the area of Grandpré, France. The entrance is a large archway surmounted by a hipped roof with dormers.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on heavy white card stock. The work depicts a chateau in the area of Grandpré, France. The entrance is a large archway surmounted by a hipped roof with dormers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25825
catalog number
25825
accession number
64592
223708

Interior of the Ruined Church Neuvilly

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts the interior of a ruined church at Neuvilly, France, showing the columns and roof of what appear to be the Church's central archway. A group of people are standing and sitting among the rubble.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts the interior of a ruined church at Neuvilly, France, showing the columns and roof of what appear to be the Church's central archway. A group of people are standing and sitting among the rubble. The majority of one wall is missing and the roof is badly damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25838
catalog number
25838
accession number
64592

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

American Graves at Menil-la-Tour

Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper. The work depicts a cemetery with American graves at Ménil-la-Tour, France during World War I. There are several rows of graves, each marked with a cross.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper. The work depicts a cemetery with American graves at Ménil-la-Tour, France during World War I. There are several rows of graves, each marked with a cross. The graves have small mounds of earth in front of them and wreaths and American flags are sketched on most of the mounds. A barbed wire fence borders the cemetery in the left of the drawing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25914
catalog number
25914
accession number
64592

A Forced Landing Near Neufchâteau

Charcoal on white paper. This sketch depicts an aviator and pilot standing on an overturned Breguet reconnaissance plane, probably a Breguet 14. The two men are reading a map. The plane's underside has camouflage and what appear to be French roundels on its wings.
Description
Charcoal on white paper. This sketch depicts an aviator and pilot standing on an overturned Breguet reconnaissance plane, probably a Breguet 14. The two men are reading a map. The plane's underside has camouflage and what appear to be French roundels on its wings. There is a line of trees in the background at left and a village in the background at right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26097
catalog number
26097
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

Village in Germany

Graphite, black crayon, sanguine crayon, and white gouache sketch. Village scene with traditional houses around a road. Several children, a woman, and a dog are in the road, along with two American soldiers and a horse.
Description
Graphite, black crayon, sanguine crayon, and white gouache sketch. Village scene with traditional houses around a road. Several children, a woman, and a dog are in the road, along with two American soldiers and a horse. On the far right of the sketch, several men are sitting together next to a fence. The sketch is done on dark gray wove paper and mounted on tan card ruled with decorative lines. Written beneath the sketch, on the tan card, is the following inscription: "An invaded village in Germany-/Zone of the American Army of Occupation".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12-15
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704A
catalog number
25704A
accession number
64592

After the Battle of Charteves

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village. A man, possibly a soldier, is in the street in the right foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25800
catalog number
25800
accession number
64592

On the Edge of Belleau Wood

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch depicts the edge of a wooded area, with timber fortifications in the center of the scene. Hills and small houses in the background.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch depicts the edge of a wooded area, with timber fortifications in the center of the scene. Hills and small houses in the background. Belleau Wood was the scene of intense fighting between Allied soldiers and the German Army towards the end of the First World War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26028
catalog number
26028
accession number
64592

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

American Soldiers Washing Up

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on blue-gray paper. The sketch is a view of the river and the steps leading down to it as seen between two buildings. Several dwellings in the background. Soldier mounting steps and two soldiers at the water.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on blue-gray paper. The sketch is a view of the river and the steps leading down to it as seen between two buildings. Several dwellings in the background. Soldier mounting steps and two soldiers at the water. The sketch is mounted to a larger piece of heavy white cardboard. A label affixed to this cardboard mount reads: "11./AMERICAN SOLDIERS WASHING UP IN THE DOLLER RIVER IN AN TOWN IN GERMAN/ALSACE. (Massevaux)./Peixotto."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25804
catalog number
25804
accession number
64592

Inside the Church at Badonviller

A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor sketch on paper of American troops at a church at Badonviller, France. The church is most likely the Eglise Saint-Martin. Five American soldiers are standing in what used to be the interior of the church.
Description
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor sketch on paper of American troops at a church at Badonviller, France. The church is most likely the Eglise Saint-Martin. Five American soldiers are standing in what used to be the interior of the church. The church has been damaged; battered wrought iron and other debris are lying exposed in the former aisle of the church. An inscription on the drawing reads "The church at Badonviller is situated on a rise of ground and on that edge of the village that is nearest the German lines. It has suffered from bombardment perhaps more than any other structure in the village. This drawing was made from the chancel and looking along the line of the main aisle and through the archway to the front entrance. The building is hopelessly beyond repair."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25950
catalog number
25950
accession number
64592

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

Six Ton Camouflaged Tank

Crayon, ink, and watercolor sketch on white paper of a camouflaged six ton light tank. The tank is in a large field and is partially covered in camouflage netting at back. Much of the tank is visible.
Description
Crayon, ink, and watercolor sketch on white paper of a camouflaged six ton light tank. The tank is in a large field and is partially covered in camouflage netting at back. Much of the tank is visible. There is a large green bush to the left of the tank and the impression of trees in the background. The drawing is mounted on a large white paper board with an inscription at bottom by the artist: "SIX TON CAMOUFLAGED TANK / H. TOWNSEND / 3255"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26096
catalog number
26096
accession number
64592

Dugouts of the 5th Marines

Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25765
catalog number
25765
accession number
64592

Ruined Houses at Dieulourd

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-6
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26042
catalog number
26042
accession number
64592

A Billet Village on the Marne

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch depicts a small village in France where American soldiers were billeted during World War I.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch depicts a small village in France where American soldiers were billeted during World War I. The Marne river, seen here in the right background, was
the line a German offensive in the spring and summer of 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25944
catalog number
25944
accession number
64592

Village (Soppe-le-Bas) in German Alsace

Ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch shows a village street that is lined with timber frame buildings. American troops walk up and down the street and stand or sit among the buildings.
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch shows a village street that is lined with timber frame buildings. American troops walk up and down the street and stand or sit among the buildings. Lining the street are poles that have painted textiles hanging from them--forming several rows of what look like banners; these served as camouflage to prevent German observation balloons from watching troop movements. At the far left of the sketch, there is a water spigot in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25897 [dup1]
catalog number
25897
accession number
64592

Ruined Church at Seringes

Ink wash sketch on paper. Shell-torn church in foreground. Houses behind the church. No artist signature.Seringes-et-Nesles is a small municipality in northern France.Currently not on view
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper. Shell-torn church in foreground. Houses behind the church. No artist signature.
Seringes-et-Nesles is a small municipality in northern France.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25856
catalog number
25856
accession number
64592

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