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: Smith, J. Andre

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

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

Pathway to Peace

Charcoal sketch on paper. This somber scene of soldiers picking through the ruins of a village church was a familiar one to the American forces fighting in France during World War I.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. This somber scene of soldiers picking through the ruins of a village church was a familiar one to the American forces fighting in France during World War I. The artwork's title, Pathway to Peace, is an ironic nod to the devastation of the conflict.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26032
catalog number
26032
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

The Railhead Dump at Ménil-la-Tour

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on brown paper mounted on a white matte paper sealed in the front with a glass sheet and backed by a plastic sheet wrapped in plastic wrap. The scene is of a railhead dump at Menil-la-Tour.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on brown paper mounted on a white matte paper sealed in the front with a glass sheet and backed by a plastic sheet wrapped in plastic wrap. The scene is of a railhead dump at Menil-la-Tour. Approximately nine men wearing blue, possibly French, are seen in the sketch all over the picture. Seven men are working around a tall pile of baled hay seen in the center of the sketch. Another two men are working on the right side, dragging a sheet. Several tall covered piles are seen besides the hay pile. Two flat cars are seen on the rails. Trash is seen in on the right side behind a lone tree. Behind the trash is a building.
The sketch is mostly colored, but it is not entirely sketched. The sky is colored blue. The tree and the grass are painted green. Other colors include light blue, red, and brown/pink for the ground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
maker
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26058
catalog number
26058
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

View of Buzancy

Mixed media sketch on paper. Scene of the village of Buzancy in Aisne, northern France. Captain J. Andre Smith depicts small structures in the foreground that sustained damage during World War I.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Scene of the village of Buzancy in Aisne, northern France. Captain J. Andre Smith depicts small structures in the foreground that sustained damage during World War I. The perspective of the artwork is from the East, showing the apse and steeple of the village church in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26086
catalog number
26086
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

Over the Top

Charcoal sketch on paper. American soldiers and tanks make their way forward over trenches and through shell-torn earth. An observation balloon floats on the horizon at left.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. American soldiers and tanks make their way forward over trenches and through shell-torn earth. An observation balloon floats on the horizon at left. A jumble of barbed wire entanglements line the foreground.
The work's title, "Over the Top," refers to soldiers rising out of the trenches and attacking over open land, which exposed them to enemy fire. This dark landscape illustrates the machines and technology used in World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26030
catalog number
26030
accession number
64592

Montabaur

Pencil and watercolor (?) sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a town on a hill. There is a church on top of the hill. There are lots of trees surrounding the town. There is a path and trees on the left, and a field (or body of water?) at the right.
Description
Pencil and watercolor (?) sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a town on a hill. There is a church on top of the hill. There are lots of trees surrounding the town. There is a path and trees on the left, and a field (or body of water?) at the right. There are two people walking down the street in the town.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26012
catalog number
26012
accession number
64592

Assembling Locomotives at St. Nazaire

A charcoal and pastel sketch on paper. This interior scene shows men working on two locomotives. Behind the two machines an open doorway shows smoke emitting from another factory.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and pastel sketch on paper. This interior scene shows men working on two locomotives. Behind the two machines an open doorway shows smoke emitting from another factory.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25906
catalog number
25906
accession number
64592

A View of Neufchateau

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts the French city of Neufchâteau during World War I. The scene shows the city from an aerial perspective, with farms in the lower left portion of the sketch.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts the French city of Neufchâteau during World War I. The scene shows the city from an aerial perspective, with farms in the lower left portion of the sketch. A church steeple dominates the center of the sketch, with buildings surrounding the church on all sides.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25910
catalog number
25910
accession number
64592

Crossing the Rhine at Coblenz

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of the first American soldiers to cross the Rhine river at Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz) after the Armistice of World War I. A pontoon bridge provides a crossing over the Rhine River.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of the first American soldiers to cross the Rhine river at Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz) after the Armistice of World War I. A pontoon bridge provides a crossing over the Rhine River. On the left of the bridge is a column of soldiers; a few vehicles are on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12-13
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25968
catalog number
25968
accession number
64592

German Artillery Position Near Essey - St. Mihiel Sector

A pencil sketch on paper. This captured German artillery position near Essey is in the St. Mihiel Sector in France. The scene depicts a dugout covered with wood and leaves on top of a hill. This position would have provided optimal cover and range for artillery strikes.
Description
A pencil sketch on paper. This captured German artillery position near Essey is in the St. Mihiel Sector in France. The scene depicts a dugout covered with wood and leaves on top of a hill. This position would have provided optimal cover and range for artillery strikes. An American soldier sits on the ground in the right foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25992
catalog number
25992
accession number
64592

View of the Rhine at Boppard

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26087
catalog number
26087
accession number
64592

A Street in Baccarat

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of Baccarat, France during World War I. Shell-damaged buildings make up this street scene.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of Baccarat, France during World War I. Shell-damaged buildings make up this street scene.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25945
catalog number
25945
accession number
64592

The Village of Vaux

Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows the village of Vaux, which has sustained significant damage. Some houses have holes in the roof, while others have crumbling walls.
Description
Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows the village of Vaux, which has sustained significant damage. Some houses have holes in the roof, while others have crumbling walls. There are rolling hills in the background with fields and trees.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26072
catalog number
26072
accession number
64592

Gateway to the Front, Rambucourt

A charcoal sketch on white card of a gateway to the front at Rambucourt, France. The scene is sketched from inside a shelter (possibly a barn). Several soldiers are seen on the right side sitting at tables.
Description
A charcoal sketch on white card of a gateway to the front at Rambucourt, France. The scene is sketched from inside a shelter (possibly a barn). Several soldiers are seen on the right side sitting at tables. Two soldiers are sitting down in the center foreground with two soldiers in the background and another one in the left. A winding trench is seen in the center part of the sketch with a wooden plank over the trench serving as a bridge. Buildings can be seen in the background including a wall of a building on the left with an open doorway. The roof of the shelter along with a wired fence on the top with leaves and/or branches coving it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
maker
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25993
catalog number
25993
accession number
64592

A General View of Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper mounted on brown card. The subject of the drawing is Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France, during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper mounted on brown card. The subject of the drawing is Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France, during World War I. The perspective is from a northeast position looking southwest toward two sets of hospital buildings on opposite sides of the river. The hospital complex on the right is composed of tents and barracks set up in orderly rows in front of a grove of trees. Several town buildings are in the center of the work including a tower which might be the steeple of a church.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25927
catalog number
25927
accession number
64592

Barn with Mules, Boucq

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of a barn in Boucq, France during May of 1918.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of a barn in Boucq, France during May of 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25958
catalog number
25958
accession number
64592

On the Bridge at Pont-a-Mousson

Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers march on the bridge over the Moselle River, into the French town of Pont-a-Mousson.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers march on the bridge over the Moselle River, into the French town of Pont-a-Mousson.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26023
catalog number
26023
accession number
64592

In the Shelter of the Church, Beaumont

Pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows the remains of a destroyed church. While most of the church is gone, large amounts of it are still standing. American and French soldiers stand around the structure.
Description
Pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows the remains of a destroyed church. While most of the church is gone, large amounts of it are still standing. American and French soldiers stand around the structure. There is a horse and another building to the right of the church, which is in similarly bad shape. There is a tree and more remains of buildings to the left of the church.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26002
catalog number
26002
accession number
64592

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