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 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
Physical DescriptionArmy green and gold-colored helmet, with black screaming cat painted into white star and a single strap.General HistoryWorn by South Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
Description
Physical Description
Army green and gold-colored helmet, with black screaming cat painted into white star and a single strap.
General History
Worn by South Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.30
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.30
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
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
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.26
accession number
2004.0003
associated date
1966 - 1973
ID Number
AF.59901-N(2)
catalog number
59901-N(2)
accession number
1977.0776
This snare drum was made by Rose, Morris & Co. in London, England, around 1968-1970. It is a Clansman model with a black lacquer wood shell, chrome-plated metal flange hoops, a white vinyl top head and a clear vinyl bottom head, and a metal snare.
Description

This snare drum was made by Rose, Morris & Co. in London, England, around 1968-1970. It is a Clansman model with a black lacquer wood shell, chrome-plated metal flange hoops, a white vinyl top head and a clear vinyl bottom head, and a metal snare. There are 6 chrome-plated metal ribs attached to the shell covering the metal tensioning rods. The maker’s medallion around the vent hole is inscribed:

CLANSMAN
ROSE, MORRIS & CO.
MADE IN ENGLAND

This drum was used by a member of the United States Air Force Pipe Band. In 1950, the band was formed as part of the United States Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps. A separate Air Force Pipe Band was formed in 1960, and by 1970, the pipe band was disbanded.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968 - 1970
ID Number
MI.075303
accession number
295417
catalog number
75303
Physical DescriptionGreen beret of rifle-green wool, with a black leather sweat band.
Description
Physical Description
Green beret of rifle-green wool, with a black leather sweat band. Lined with yellow cloth and marked: "Bancroft/Military Caps/Framingham Mass." The crown bears the insignia of the 7th Special Forces Group—a red felt shield and a pin of black and silver and black crossed arrows over a sword with the motto "De Oppresso Liber" or "to free the oppressed".
Specific History
United States 7th Special Forces Group Green Beret, worn by SP/5C R. J. Schmidt in Vietnam in 1964.
General History
The U.S. Army Special Forces are commonly known as the Green Berets, from their distinctive headgear. They are small groups of highly trained officers and non-commissioned officers whose mission is to conduct "behind-the-lines" operations in enemy territory, reconnaissance, target acquisition and damage assessment, and precision strikes on strategic targets. Special Forces units have another unique mission, which is to train and operate insurgency and counterinsurgency units in the field, a mission they performed admirably in Vietnam. They are well-schooled in foreign languages and customs, and are the units of choice when a training mission is done in another nation.
The 7th Special Forces Group was first formed as the 1st Company, First Battalion, 1st Special Service Force in July 1942 at Camp William Harrison in Montana. Disbanded after World War II, it was reactivated at Fort Bragg in 1953 as the 77th Special Forces Group. In 1960, the 77th Special Forces Group was designated the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), as they are still known today. Under President Kennedy, the 7th served as the cadre and building block for the formation of other special forces units. In 1961 the 7th was sent to Vietnam to advise the South Vietnamese Army and was also involved in Laos and Thailand. The first Medal of Honor earned in Vietnam was awarded to Captain Roger Donlon, a member of the 7th.
associated date
1960 - 1974
user
Schmidt, Roland J.
graphic artist
Chicago Tribune
ID Number
AF.69608M
catalog number
69608M
accession number
270587
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.14
accession number
2004.0003
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
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.07
accession number
2004.0003
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.06
accession number
2004.0003
Physical DescriptionTan, long-sleeved, button down wool tunic with pockets on either side of shirt breast. Tan wool pants. Tan helmet with brown strap.
Description
Physical Description
Tan, long-sleeved, button down wool tunic with pockets on either side of shirt breast. Tan wool pants. Tan helmet with brown strap.
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.23
accession number
2004.0003
catalog number
2004.0003.23
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
associated date
1955-1975
ID Number
2004.0003.25
accession number
2004.0003
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
associated date
1955-1975
user
Carlock, Chuck
ID Number
2004.0003.27
accession number
2004.0003
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
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
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
Hawaiian shirt worn by Alan Alda in the role of Hawkeye Pierce on the television series M*A*S*H. The Hawaiian shirt is printed with a blue and white floral pattern and has a breast pocket and five buttons.
Description
Hawaiian shirt worn by Alan Alda in the role of Hawkeye Pierce on the television series M*A*S*H. The Hawaiian shirt is printed with a blue and white floral pattern and has a breast pocket and five buttons. Alda portrayed the character Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce on M*A*S*H from 1972-1983.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1972 - 1983
date made
before 1972
wearer
Alda, Alan
ID Number
1983.0095.003
accession number
1983.0095
catalog number
1983.0095.003
A poster protesting US involvement in Chile.Currently not on view
Description
A poster protesting US involvement in Chile.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979
associated date
April 17, 1979
referenced
Wells Fargo
ID Number
1986.1035.065
catalog number
1986.1035.065
accession number
1986.1035
The Last Patrol are veterans of Vietnam who honor and remebered those who did not come from from Southeast Asia as well other veterans.
Description
The Last Patrol are veterans of Vietnam who honor and remebered those who did not come from from Southeast Asia as well other veterans.
date made
1972
associated date
1972
referenced
Vietnam Veterans Against the War
McGovern, George
maker
Democratic National Committee
ID Number
PL.304814.137
accession number
304814
catalog number
304814.137

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