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.

Topic: Official Art from the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I

Dead Acres - St. Mihiel Sector

A charcoal sketch on paper of a war-torn area in the St. Mihiel Sector of combat during World War I. Several bare trees dominate the scene. Two American soldiers are resting by the tree on the right.
Description
A charcoal sketch on paper of a war-torn area in the St. Mihiel Sector of combat during World War I. Several bare trees dominate the scene. Two American soldiers are resting by the tree on the right. In the foreground, there is a trench with a wooden plank crossing on the right side. Several crosses, presumably marking graves, are in the background on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25981
catalog number
25981
accession number
64592

Artist Sketch Box

Artist sketch box used by Harvey Dunn as an official artist with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in World War I. The metal box is painted olive drab. It is marked on the top cover "HARVEY DUNN / CAPTAIN" with the castle insignia of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Description
Artist sketch box used by Harvey Dunn as an official artist with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in World War I. The metal box is painted olive drab. It is marked on the top cover "HARVEY DUNN / CAPTAIN" with the castle insignia of the Army Corps of Engineers. The cover is attached by metal slide fasteners which hook into screws. Inside of the box is a roll of white drawing paper that can be advanced by turning the rollers with half-ring handles. On the bottom of the box is a metal back plate which is attached by nails and screws to allow the paper roll to be removed and replaced with a new roll.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67518M
accession number
229290
catalog number
67518M

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

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

The Engineer

Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot.
Description
Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot. The soldier on the right is wearing his helmet, with his rifle (probably an M1903 Springfield) propped on the cot next to him, reading a newspaper. The soldier on the left is smoking a cigarette and looking at the viewer. His helmet and bag are hanging on the wall above his head and there is a canteen at his feet. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25713
catalog number
25713
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

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

Square at Pont-a-Mousson

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. American soldiers, mounted and on foot, move through the square of this small French town. An ambulance is in the right foreground. This scene was captured at the end of the First World War.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. American soldiers, mounted and on foot, move through the square of this small French town. An ambulance is in the right foreground. This scene was captured at the end of the First World War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26051
catalog number
26051
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

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

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

A Street in Sanzey

Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige mounted. The work depicts a street in Sanzey, France during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige mounted. The work depicts a street in Sanzey, France 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.25936
catalog number
25936
accession number
64592

A Battlefield on the Marne

Mixed media on paper. This landscape depicts a battlefield that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. This conflict was a turning point in the war.
Description
Mixed media on paper. This landscape depicts a battlefield that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. This conflict was a turning point in the war. On July 15-16, 1918, the 38th Regiment of the Third Infantry Division of the United States Army participated in a battle here. Two crosses marking graves in the left foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25946
catalog number
25946
accession number
64592

Infantryman

Charcoal sketch on white paper of an infantryman with the American Expeditionary Force. Depicted is an American infantry soldier, possibly a Sergeant, sitting on a hill smoking a cigarette with his hands folded in his lap.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of an infantryman with the American Expeditionary Force. Depicted is an American infantry soldier, possibly a Sergeant, sitting on a hill smoking a cigarette with his hands folded in his lap. He is fully armed with his rifle and bayonet and is wearing a steel helmet and carrying his pack on his back. His face is seen in profile and his eyes are hidden by his helmet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26109
catalog number
26109
accession number
64592

View of Chateau Thierry

Pen and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Hills and battleground in distance. In the foreground, houses are being shelled; smoke rises from the shell targets. Parachutists in sky at left.
Description
Pen and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Hills and battleground in distance. In the foreground, houses are being shelled; smoke rises from the shell targets. Parachutists in sky at left. The sketch is done on white wove paper mounted on tan card ruled with decorative lines. A printed label is attached to the mount beneath the sketch; it reads: "VIEW OF CHATEAU THIERRY/BY W. J. DUNCAN/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2862"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704
catalog number
25704
accession number
64592

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