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

On the Outskirts of Montabaur

Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a barn on the right and some houses on the left separated by a dirt road in the foreground, and a village with a church in the background. There is a horse and a wagon in front of the barn.Currently not on view
Description
Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a barn on the right and some houses on the left separated by a dirt road in the foreground, and a village with a church in the background. There is a horse and a wagon in front of the barn.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26026
catalog number
26026
accession number
64592

At Andilly

A charcoal and watercolor color sketch on paper of Andilly, France. The sketch depicts a tree-lined canal and a few buildings lining the left side of the canal. A man in the center of the drawing is carrying a bucket in each hand.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor color sketch on paper of Andilly, France. The sketch depicts a tree-lined canal and a few buildings lining the left side of the canal. A man in the center of the drawing is carrying a bucket in each hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25905
catalog number
25905
accession number
64592

Concealing a Motor Train

A color drawing that is slightly painted on gray paper mounted on brown card frame. The scene is of a night time attempt to conceal a motor train (presumably stopped) by hiding the motors in the trees and using tree branches.
Description
A color drawing that is slightly painted on gray paper mounted on brown card frame. The scene is of a night time attempt to conceal a motor train (presumably stopped) by hiding the motors in the trees and using tree branches. The train is seen to the right along a row of trees heading deep into the background. A road is to the left of the train, and two soldiers are seen deep in the road bringing branches to the train. To the left is a small steppe indicating that the road is in a ditch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
June 1918
1918-06
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
maker
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25973
catalog number
25973
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

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

Billeting Village Near Neufchateau, Farm Building

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts a farm building in a village near Neufchâteau, France. The farm building is in good condition.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts a farm building in a village near Neufchâteau, France. The farm building is in good condition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25648
catalog number
25648
accession number
64592

American Trucks in a Side Street Montabaur

Charcoal sketch on paper. American army trucks and troops on a street leading through a village. Buildings on either side of street. The sketch is affixed to a larger piece of heavy cardboard.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. American army trucks and troops on a street leading through a village. Buildings on either side of street. The sketch is affixed to a larger piece of heavy cardboard. A label under the sketch, on the larger cardboard mount, reads: "AMERICAN TRUCKS IN A SIDE STREET/MONTABAUR/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2965."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25807
catalog number
25807
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

At Ménil-la-Tour

Pencil and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts the French village of Ménil-la-Tour during World War I. Soldiers, trucks, and horses populate the scene; a church steeple rises in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts the French village of Ménil-la-Tour during World War I. Soldiers, trucks, and horses populate the scene; a church steeple rises in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25916
catalog number
25916
accession number
64592

The Square, Pont-à-Mousson

Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch is a street scene, with people milling about and buildings on either side of the street.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch is a street scene, with people milling about and buildings on either side of the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25886
catalog number
25886
accession number
64592

Montsec, A Street in No Man's Land

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows the ruins of a village on a hill. Smith calls this village "No Man's Land." There are two soldiers at the top of the hill. The street has multiple holes from shell fire.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows the ruins of a village on a hill. Smith calls this village "No Man's Land." There are two soldiers at the top of the hill. The street has multiple holes from shell fire. The buildings have all been destroyed and are now without roofs and walls. Telephone pole at left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26016
catalog number
26016
accession number
64592

No Man's Land, Near Thiaucourt

Charcoal sketch on paper of a road leading through shell-torn countryside. Denuded trees on either side of road. There are several forms lying on the road in the foreground--possibly soldiers or horses. Stark and lifeless.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of a road leading through shell-torn countryside. Denuded trees on either side of road. There are several forms lying on the road in the foreground--possibly soldiers or horses. Stark and lifeless.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25849
catalog number
25849
accession number
64592

Vaux, July 23, 1918

Charcoal on white paper. Sketch showing a devastated shell torn village. There is a demolished bridge in the foreground and two destroyed buildings in the background.
Description
Charcoal on white paper. Sketch showing a devastated shell torn village. There is a demolished bridge in the foreground and two destroyed buildings in the background. Cracked wooden beams, chunks of concrete, and other debris are scattered throughout the sketch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26133
catalog number
26133
accession number
64592

A Billet at Rangeval

A pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper of a billet at Rangeval, France. The scene is of the top floor of a stable where the soldiers are quartered.
Description
A pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper of a billet at Rangeval, France. The scene is of the top floor of a stable where the soldiers are quartered. Several soldiers are at the far end of the loft.
An original label for the sketch read, "This shows the hay loft of a huge stable. The men arrange their bunks in the straw and along the wall. The great shell hole in the roof (the result of former fighting) admits light and air and especially rain. But those men whose beds are exposed to the elements have stretched their ponchos tent-fashion and are enjoying a sort of inside-out existence."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25907
catalog number
25907
accession number
64592

Untitled

Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. Village scene with buildings in background. On the left, a soldier leads horses out of a barnyard. Soldiers at mess on right.Currently not on view
Description
Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. Village scene with buildings in background. On the left, a soldier leads horses out of a barnyard. Soldiers at mess on right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25793
catalog number
25793
accession number
64592

A Roadside Repair Station, Chateau Thierry

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Soldiers of an ammunition train have stopped for repairs at a roadside repair station located to the northwest of Château-Thierry. Depicted is a large motor supply truck which is being repaired by an American soldier in the foreground.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Soldiers of an ammunition train have stopped for repairs at a roadside repair station located to the northwest of Château-Thierry. Depicted is a large motor supply truck which is being repaired by an American soldier in the foreground. A group of American soldiers work to repair objects on a makeshift workbench at left. Motor parts and other supply boxes surround them on the ground. Two ambulances with the Red Cross emblems are visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26099
catalog number
26099
accession number
64592

Building Operations at Is-sur-Tille

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Buildings under construction at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Buildings under construction at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25960
catalog number
25960
accession number
64592

A Lodging for the Night, 42nd Division

Pen and ink with touches of graphite. Horizontal landscape format; village scene. Church tower and hills in background. Vehicles and a line of horses in foreground. Several soldiers moving about.
Description
Pen and ink with touches of graphite. Horizontal landscape format; village scene. Church tower and hills in background. Vehicles and a line of horses in foreground. Several soldiers moving about. Sketch done on white wove paper that is mounted on tan card with decorative ruled graphite lines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25686
catalog number
25686
accession number
64592

Flirey

A charcoal sketch on beige card of a scene at Flirey. The army has gathered in the area of the church where it looms in the background to the left, taking up almost the whole height of the sketch. On the left, a broken supply cart dominates the foreground.
Description
A charcoal sketch on beige card of a scene at Flirey. The army has gathered in the area of the church where it looms in the background to the left, taking up almost the whole height of the sketch. On the left, a broken supply cart dominates the foreground. Next to the cart are three soldiers standing and a soldier sitting down. Deeper into the painting, A covered supply cart holds up a canopy where a smoke is coming out of a pipe. To the right of that, soldiers sit on the road leading up to the church. Three trees are in the background to the right of the church. On the right side, soldiers with supply carts are coming up the road. Shell torn buildings line up the right edge of the sketch. In the sky, two parachutes are seen deployed.
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.25986
catalog number
25986
accession number
64592

Vaux, A Shapeless Mass of Masonry

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26134
catalog number
26134
accession number
64592

A Regiment Stops for Mess

Pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper. In this scene from the First World War, a regiment of soldiers stops for mess at Pagny-sur-Meuse, France. A large group of soldiers is assembled outdoors of what appears to be a complex of farm buildings.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper. In this scene from the First World War, a regiment of soldiers stops for mess at Pagny-sur-Meuse, France. A large group of soldiers is assembled outdoors of what appears to be a complex of farm buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25915
catalog number
25915
accession number
64592

Saddler's Room in a Monastery

Pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on white thick paper. Three men stand in a room in a monastery. One of the men is making a horse saddle. Sheets of leather on workbenches are seen in the foreground, and there are tools and chains hanging on the wall to the right.
Description
Pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on white thick paper. Three men stand in a room in a monastery. One of the men is making a horse saddle. Sheets of leather on workbenches are seen in the foreground, and there are tools and chains hanging on the wall to the right. The room is dark and in the shadows, except for the area under an open window where the men are standing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26048
catalog number
26048
accession number
64592

Mopping up Cierges 1918

Charcoal sketch on paper of four American soldiers advancing down a street in Cierges, France. The soldiers are apparently coming through the village at the end of a recent battle, making sure that the village has been cleared of all enemy combatants.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of four American soldiers advancing down a street in Cierges, France. The soldiers are apparently coming through the village at the end of a recent battle, making sure that the village has been cleared of all enemy combatants. They have their rifles drawn with bayonet attached. The street is lined with badly damaged buildings in the background. Rubble from the bombed out buildings litters the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Morgan, Wallace
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25776
catalog number
25776
accession number
64592

American Officer Mess in the Cellar

Graphite, charcoal, and ink wash sketch. Five officers sit around a table while another soldier serves them. The chair in the foreground is empty. On the table, a lamp illuminates the men's faces and casts shadows on the walls.
Description
Graphite, charcoal, and ink wash sketch. Five officers sit around a table while another soldier serves them. The chair in the foreground is empty. On the table, a lamp illuminates the men's faces and casts shadows on the walls. A box telephone and two bottles of wine are among the items on the table. The sketch is done on white wove paper mounted on beige card that is ruled with decorative graphite lines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25688
catalog number
25688
accession number
64592

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.