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.

Date: 1970s

camouflage trousers

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

Pants, Viet Cong Uniform

associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.06
accession number
2004.0003

Jewish Bible (Tanakh)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
publisher
Jewish Publication Society of America
ID Number
1996.0051.05
accession number
1996.0051
catalog number
1996.0051.05

M*A*S*H Signpost

Pointing the way to anyplace but here, this prop from M*A*S*H (CBS, 1972-83) reflects the characters' humorous efforts to cope with the horrors of war.The show, set in an army field hospital during the Korean War, debuted in the final years of the Vietnam War, and its antiwar the
Description
Pointing the way to anyplace but here, this prop from M*A*S*H (CBS, 1972-83) reflects the characters' humorous efforts to cope with the horrors of war.
The show, set in an army field hospital during the Korean War, debuted in the final years of the Vietnam War, and its antiwar theme resonated with many Americans. Its talented ensemble cast and compelling storylines earned M*A*S*H lasting popularity. The final program, broadcast on February 28, 1983, was the most-watched series episode in television history.
This sign post is one of three used in the production of the show, likely a replica made for the final season of the show after the original was destroyed in a 1982 fire at Malibu Creek State Park, the outdoor filming location used throughout the series' production. Twentieth Century Fox donated the sign post to the museum in 1983.
Date made
1970 - 1972
ID Number
1983.0095.237
accession number
1983.0095
catalog number
1983.0095.237

POW Bracelets

Physical DescriptionThree bracelets.Specific HistoryWorn to honor and increase awareness of POW/MIA soldiers.
Description
Physical Description
Three bracelets.
Specific History
Worn to honor and increase awareness of POW/MIA soldiers. Traditionally, these bracelets were worn until the POW returned to the United States at which time the bracelet was presented to the former prisoner.
General History
The idea for POW bracelets originated in 1970. Carol Bates Brown and Kay Hunter were college students looking to support U.S. troops in Vietnam without being involved in the controversy of demonstrations and protests. Through their student group VIVA (Voices in Vital America), they were able to distribute millions of bracelets and other memorabilia nationwide.
POWs in the Public Eye
During the Vietnam War, American prisoners were a focus of public attention as never before.
Over 4,000 Americans were captured during World War I; more than 130,000 were taken prisoner during World War II; 7,000-plus were held in Korea. The American public knew little of their plight. But Americans were painfully aware of the 726 who were prisoners of war in Vietnam. The North Vietnamese paraded them in a sophisticated propaganda campain to erode public support for the war. POW families launched awareness campaings, and the media gave the POW situation extensive coverage. At the war's end, 661 returned home. Some Americans believe that thousands more "missing in action" were left behind.
20th Century Prisoners of War
World War I: 4,120 captured; 3,973 returned
World War II: 130,201 captured; 116,129 returned
Korea: 7,140 captured; 4,418 returned
Vietnam: 726 captured; 661 returned
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1970
remembered on bracelet
Grubb, Newk
ID Number
2004.0083.41
accession number
2004.0083
catalog number
2004.0083.41

Viet Cong Uniform

Physical DescriptionBlack with short sleeve shirt with blue and red “flag” pinned to proper left pocket. Brown wool pants. Black and white checked cloth neckerchief with red band at each end. Brown cloth rice belt.
Description
Physical Description
Black with short sleeve shirt with blue and red “flag” pinned to proper left pocket. Brown wool pants. Black and white checked cloth neckerchief with red band at each end. Brown cloth rice belt. Rubber sandals.
General History
The Viet Cong were a guerilla force that fought against the United States and South Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict. Viet Cong could be a farmer, a woman, or a child and they were indistinguishable from the United States' South Vietnam allies. They used makeshift weapons, had a variety of uniforms, and avoided traditional combat, making it difficult to know who exactly the enemy was. Their orders came from the North Vietnam Communist party.
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.05
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.05

First women to attend flight training for U.S. Navy

Pensacola, Fla. Mar. 1, 1973 NAVY PILOTS --- Lt. (j.g.) Barbara Ann Allen (center) and Lt. (j.g.) Judith Ann Neuffer, two of the Navy's first four women officers who will begin flight training Friday (march 2) meet Capt. R. E.
Description (Brief)
Pensacola, Fla. Mar. 1, 1973 NAVY PILOTS --- Lt. (j.g.) Barbara Ann Allen (center) and Lt. (j.g.) Judith Ann Neuffer, two of the Navy's first four women officers who will begin flight training Friday (march 2) meet Capt. R. E. Loux commanding officer of Naval Air Schools Command.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973-03-01
maker
Associated Press
ID Number
2013.0327.0963
catalog number
2013.0327.0963
accession number
2013.0327

Sandals, North Vietnamese Army Uniform

associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.26
accession number
2004.0003

Calculating Disc by Felsenthal, Dial-A-Base

On September 19, 1972, George M. Boyd of Witchita, Kansas, took out U.S. patent 3,692,238 for this “navigation aid.” It consists of two discs with a slightly larger disc between them, all rotating about a pivot at the center.
Description
On September 19, 1972, George M. Boyd of Witchita, Kansas, took out U.S. patent 3,692,238 for this “navigation aid.” It consists of two discs with a slightly larger disc between them, all rotating about a pivot at the center. The outer discs have maps – one of southern Florida, and the other of northern Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Listed around the rim are the names of air bases in the regions shown. Rotating an outer disc brings up a table of the distance from a given base to all the others. The device also provides such information as the runway patterns of the air bases, cruising altitude rules, and international Morse code. A mark on the object reads: DIAL-A-BASE (/) WITCHTA, KANSAS 67208 (/) PAT. 3692238 (/) 4 JAN 73.
George Mills Boyd, born in New Jersey, was a Tuskegee Airman, and spent his career in the United States Army (later the U.S. Air Force). He retired from the Air Force in 1971, taking up positions in Kansas.
References:
Accession file.
U.S. Patent 3,692,238.
Website http://www.wingsoverkansas.com/profiles/a125/, accessed March 28, 2018.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
maker
Boyd, George M.
ID Number
1977.1141.47
catalog number
336445
accession number
1977.1141

Neckerchief, Viet Cong Uniform

associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.07
accession number
2004.0003

Vietcong Mortar Tube

Physical DescriptionMetal tube with metal stand, green and brown in color.General HistoryMortars were used to fire projectiles at a sharp angle.
Description
Physical Description
Metal tube with metal stand, green and brown in color.
General History
Mortars were used to fire projectiles at a sharp angle.
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.33
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.33

Shirt, North Vietnamese Army Uniform

associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.25
accession number
2004.0003

Adm. W.P. Mack presenting E.E. Miller with certificate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-06-21
maker
Associated Press
ID Number
2013.0327.0852
accession number
2013.0327
catalog number
2013.0327.0852

Kent State Rifle

Physical DescriptionUnited States M-1 rifle.Specific HistoryThis is one of the rifles used by the National Guardsmen at Kent State, Ohio on 4 May 1970.General HistoryKent State University came into the international spotlight on 4 May 1970.
Description
Physical Description
United States M-1 rifle.
Specific History
This is one of the rifles used by the National Guardsmen at Kent State, Ohio on 4 May 1970.
General History
Kent State University came into the international spotlight on 4 May 1970. During a protest by students against the Vietnam War, a contingent of 28 Ohio National Guardsmen fired for 13 seconds. The rifle fire left four students dead, one permanently paralyzed, and eight others wounded. Many of the students were walking to and from class. Not every student was involved in the demonstration. The closest student wounded was 30 yards away from the Guard, while the farthest was almost 250 yards away.
associated dates
1970-05-04
user
Ohio National Guard
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
1987.0381.10
catalog number
1987.0381.10
accession number
1987.0381
serial number
2646119

Springfield Armory US Rifle M1 Cal. .30

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated dates
1970 05 04+ / 1970 05 04+
user
Ohio National Guard
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
1987.0381.01
catalog number
1987.0381.01
accession number
1987.0381
serial number
685037

Naval reservist kissing his girl goodbye

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-07-06
ID Number
2013.0327.0874
accession number
2013.0327
catalog number
2013.0327.0874

U.S. marine A-37s on a bombing run in the Mekong Delta

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1972-09-01
maker
Kennerly, David Hume
ID Number
2003.0004.21
accession number
2003.0004
catalog number
2003.0004.21

Bicycle

Physical DescriptionBicycle made of mostly wood-like material with rear storage space.General HistoryVietcong bicylce used on the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Description
Physical Description
Bicycle made of mostly wood-like material with rear storage space.
General History
Vietcong bicylce used on the Ho Chi Minh trail.
associated date
1955-1975
maker
Toanthang
ID Number
2015.3140.01
catalog number
2015.3140.01
nonaccession number
2015.3140

U.S. Marine Corps Utility Cap for Enlisted Soldier

Physical DescriptionU.S. Marine Corps issue cap, two-ply construction, stand-up panel with fused Marine Corps insignia. Green cotton cap with black insignia.Specific HistoryWorn by Dennis P. Mroczkowski in Vietnam, 1969-70.
Description
Physical Description
U.S. Marine Corps issue cap, two-ply construction, stand-up panel with fused Marine Corps insignia. Green cotton cap with black insignia.
Specific History
Worn by Dennis P. Mroczkowski in Vietnam, 1969-70.
Date made
1970
associated institution
United States Marine Corps
ID Number
AF.59817-N
catalog number
59817-N
accession number
315362

Grenade Pouch

associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.14
accession number
2004.0003

Fighting for his officer's commission

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
referenced
United States Military Academy
maker
Associated Press
ID Number
2013.0327.0882
accession number
2013.0327
catalog number
2013.0327.0882

Belt, North Vietnamese Army Uniform

associated date
1955-1975
user
Carlock, Chuck
ID Number
2004.0003.27
accession number
2004.0003

USO boonie Hat

Rivera gave this hat to USO performer Gilda Mirós when she toured Vietnam in 1971.
Description
Rivera gave this hat to USO performer Gilda Mirós when she toured Vietnam in 1971. The infantryman shared his hat out of appreciation and a sense of common cultural heritage with Mirós, who was born in Puerto Rico.
Gilda Mirós moved from Santurce, Puerto Rico to New York City with her mother at a young age. Intrigued by film and theater, in 1957 she left home after graduating high school and moved to Mexico City to work in the Mexican film industry. A multi-talented performer, she had careers not only on film and in the theater but also on radio and television. She hosted her own call-in program on WADO in NY and worked in front and behind the cameras at WXTV-41 (SIN and Univision) and WNJU-47 (Telemundo) She also promoted talent, working with stars such as Celia Cruz, and made several documentaries. The objects in her collection illustrate her transnational career.
In the 1950s, consumers made television the centerpiece of the home, fueling competition among broadcasters to create new products, new programming, new stations, and even new networks. Innovators, such as those behind the creation of independent Spanish-language stations and eventually the Spanish International Network (SIN), challenged established broadcasting companies by creating new programming in Spanish and catering to underserved audiences. Established in the early 1960s, SIN knit together independents and created new stations to serve a national audience. With a complex business and legal history, SIN eventually became Univision in the 1980s. In the decades after 1980, Spanish-language programing options grew with recognition of Latinx communities as powerful consumer groups and the advent of new broadcasting technologies such as cable and digital TV.
Description (Spanish)
Un soldado de apellido Rivera le obsequió este sombrero a Gilda Mirós durante una gira de la artista de USO por Vietnam en 1971. El soldado le regalo su sombrero en agradecimiento y en reconocimiento su herencia cultural común con Mirós, nacida en Puerto Rico.
Gilda Mirós se mudó de Santurce, Puerto Rico a la ciudad de Nueva York con su madre, aun siendo una niña. Intrigada por el cine y el teatro, en 1957 dejó el hogar después de graduarse de la escuela secundaria y se mudó a la Ciudad de México para trabajar en la industria cinematográfica mexicana. Intérprete de múltiples talentos, se destaco en el cine y el teatro al igual que en la radio y la televisión. Condujo su propio programa radial con llamadas al aire en la radio WADO de Nueva York y trabajó detrás y frente a las cámaras en WXTV-41 (SIN y Univision) y WNJU-47 (Telemundo). Se dedicó a promover el talento artístico, trabajando con estrellas como Celia Cruz, y realizó varios documentales. Los objetos que integran su colección ilustran su carrera internacional.
En la década de 1950, los consumidores hicieron de la televisión un componente central de sus hogares, fomentando la competencia entre las difusoras para crear nuevos productos, nueva programación, nuevas estaciones, e incluso nuevas redes. Los innovadores, como los creadores de los canales independientes de habla hispana y el Spanish International Network (SIN), desafiaron a las emisoras establecidas creando nuevos programas en español centradas en audiencias históricamente ignoradas. Establecido a principios de los sesenta, SIN unió a difusoras independentes y creó nuevas estaciones para responder a una audiencia nacional. Tras una compleja trayectoria empresarial y legal, SIN se convertiría en Univisión en la década de 1980. Durante las próximas décadas, las opciones de programación en español crecieron gracias al reconocimiento de la comunidad Latinx, como poderoso grupo de consumidores, y a la introducción de nuevas tecnologías de difusión, como el cable y la televisión digital.
date made
ca 1971
related
United Service Organizations
ID Number
2016.0233.02
catalog number
2016.0233.02
accession number
2016.0233

For Peace in Indochina

A poster calling for peace in Indochina and to implement the Paris Peace Accords.Currently not on view
Description
A poster calling for peace in Indochina and to implement the Paris Peace Accords.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
maker
American Friends Service Committee
ID Number
1986.0231.074
accession number
1986.0231

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