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.

Gorget

Physical DescriptionMetal with engraving.General HistoryA gorget is an ornamental plate that adorns the neck. Gorgets and printed testimonials were among the items given to Indian allies.
Description
Physical Description
Metal with engraving.
General History
A gorget is an ornamental plate that adorns the neck. Gorgets and printed testimonials were among the items given to Indian allies.
date made
1760
ID Number
1980.0399.1428
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.1428

Pair of Mittens with Trigger Finger Attachments

Physical DescriptionBrown lined wool with trigger finger attachments.General HistoryThis type of mitten was designed to allow a gunner to fire while keeping his hands warm so as not to become numb from the cold.
Description
Physical Description
Brown lined wool with trigger finger attachments.
General History
This type of mitten was designed to allow a gunner to fire while keeping his hands warm so as not to become numb from the cold.
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
ZZ.RSN81505W14

Model 1817 Contract Rifle

maker
Deringer, Jr., Henry
ID Number
AF.222303
accession number
41356
catalog number
222303

"Let's Hit 'Em With Everything We've Got" Poster

Physical DescriptionFour color print on paper.Specific HistoryThe Division of Military History and Diplomacy has been collecting recruiting posters for more than 50 years.
Description
Physical Description
Four color print on paper.
Specific History
The Division of Military History and Diplomacy has been collecting recruiting posters for more than 50 years. Recruiting as an activity of the military is important to the understanding of who serves in uniform, during both war time and peace time, and the visual materials used to market military service. The collection contains examples of early Civil War broadsides, World War I posters, including the original artwork for Uncle Sam as drawn by Montgomery Flagg; and World War II posters, which show the recruiting of men and women for all services, and auxiliary organizations. The collection contains primarily Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II recruiting posters for the Army, Navy and some Marine. More modern day recruiting materials are also contained in the collections, and cover a broad range of Army recruiting slogans.
General History
Posters during World War II were designed to instill in the people a positive outlook, a sense of patriotism and confidence. They linked the war in trenches with the war at home. From a practical point, they were used to encourage all Americans to help with the war effort. The posters called upon every man, woman, and child to endure the personal sacrifice and domestic adjustments to further the national agenda. They encouraged rationing, conservation and sacrifice. In addition, the posters were used for recruitment, productivity, and motivation as well as for financing the war effort. The stark, colorful graphic designs elicited strong emotions. The posters played to the fears, frustrations, and faith in freedoms that lingered in people's minds during the war.
date made
ca 1942
artist
Barclay, McClelland
ID Number
ZZ.RSN79672W40

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

Oath of Allegiance

Physical DescriptionInk on paper.Specific HistoryOath of allegiance certificate for John Mathia, 1778.General HistoryNeeds to be re-written.Currently not on view
Description
Physical Description
Ink on paper.
Specific History
Oath of allegiance certificate for John Mathia, 1778.
General History
Needs to be re-written.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1778
associated date
1778 01
recipient
Splitner, John M.
issuer
United States of America Committee
maker
United States of America Committee
ID Number
AF.73518M
catalog number
73518M
accession number
286278

Model 1891

maker
Gardone
ID Number
AF.58330M
catalog number
58330M
serial number
RH8300

Cavalry Saber

Physical DescriptionForged steel.General HistoryAmerican-made curved blade cavalry saber. Curved blade sabers were generally used as a slashing and hacking weapon.
Description
Physical Description
Forged steel.
General History
American-made curved blade cavalry saber. Curved blade sabers were generally used as a slashing and hacking weapon.
Date made
1775 - 1780
ID Number
1994.0370.02
catalog number
1994.0370.02
accession number
1994.0370

M1 Submachine Gun

licensee
Thompson
maker
Auto-Ordnance Corporation
ID Number
AF.76531M
catalog number
76531M
accession number
304325
serial number
60886

Model 1861

ID Number
AF.56049
catalog number
56049
accession number
198230
serial number
K4D-12

Helmet

Physical DescriptionCamouflage-lined army helmet with single strap. Two flechettes crossed in the front center of the helmet. On the side of the helmet are the names of the months from May 1969 to April 1970, written in ink and crossed through.
Description
Physical Description
Camouflage-lined army helmet with single strap. Two flechettes crossed in the front center of the helmet. On the side of the helmet are the names of the months from May 1969 to April 1970, written in ink and crossed through. A book of matches is tucked into the lining.
General History
This type of helmet is known as a "steel pot" helmet.
Date made
ca 1968
user
Turner, Terry T.
ID Number
1999.0167.06
accession number
1999.0167
catalog number
1999.0167.06

Model M4

ID Number
1986.0052.07
catalog number
1986.0052.07
accession number
1986.0052

Take up the Sword of Justice

associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
AF.65938M
catalog number
65938M
accession number
232120

South Vietnamese Helmet

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

US Marine Corps Combat Helmet with Night Vision Scope

This combat helmet was used by NBC photographer Greg Mathieson in 2003, during the beginning of the ground war in Iraq.
Description
This combat helmet was used by NBC photographer Greg Mathieson in 2003, during the beginning of the ground war in Iraq. It is a Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) helmet, also known as a "K-Pot" or a "FRITZ", which was developed by the US military in the 1970s to replace the M1 helmet worn by soldiers during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The PASGT helmet was designed to fit the individual soldier, unlike the "one size fits all" M-1; it comes in four sizes: extra-small, small, medium, and large1;. The shell of the helmet is made of Kevlar to provide increased ballistic protection. As is common practice for soldiers in combat, the user's blood type, "B", is written on the cover.
The pattern of the helmet cover is a pixilated camouflage pattern known as Marine Disruptive Pattern (MARPAT), created by the United States Marine Corps for use with the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU). MARPAT became standard issue in 2002. This is the desert pattern as is the woodland pattern, but the urban pattern has not been authorized by the Marine Corps for wear.
Atop the helmet is mounted an AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD). This devise is used in observation and command and control missions, and may be hand-held, head-mounted, helmet-mounted, or attached to a rifle. In this instance, the night vision was employed by the user, a news photographer, to produce nighttime video footage of combat actions.
1 According to the book, The Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) Helmet (Schiffer Military Press, 1999), the helmet fits 98 percent of all U.S. Army personnel, with the medium size fitting approximately 50 percent of all soldiers.
user
Mathieson, Greg
ID Number
2004.0170.10
catalog number
2004.0170.10
accession number
2004.0170

German Army Helmet

Physical DescriptionAustrian pattern World War I helmet, refurbished with the typical dark field gray paint finish and National Socialist Party decals of red trimmed in black with a black swastika in a white circle.General HistoryDuring the early years of World War II, many helme
Description
Physical Description
Austrian pattern World War I helmet, refurbished with the typical dark field gray paint finish and National Socialist Party decals of red trimmed in black with a black swastika in a white circle.
General History
During the early years of World War II, many helmets used by the German Army were refurbished for field combat use. Surplus helmets, including Austrian pattern World War I helmets, were often gathered, repainted and marked with decals by the military personnel stationed at supply depots.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2004.0137.13
accession number
2004.0137
catalog number
2004.0137.13

French Officer's Sword

Physical DescriptionFrench silver-hilted officer's small sword with silvered guard and knuckle bow.Specific HistoryThis artifact is part of the large collection of firearms and militaria from the Charles Bremner Hogg Jackson collection.Brem Jackson (1910-1979) was by all accounts
Description
Physical Description
French silver-hilted officer's small sword with silvered guard and knuckle bow.
Specific History
This artifact is part of the large collection of firearms and militaria from the Charles Bremner Hogg Jackson collection.
Brem Jackson (1910-1979) was by all accounts a modest and intensely private individual. He was unknown as a collector to neighbors and other military connoisseurs. Born in New York, he was raised with a French governess who told him stories of the Napoleonic Era and instilled in him an early fascination for the French emperor.
His family moved to Florence, Italy, for 14 years. While there he studied and became fluent in French, German, and Italian. While traveling Europe, touring battlefields and military cemeteries, he began collecting and making miniature model soldiers. After World War II, he moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where his collection further grew with the addition of original uniforms. He collected enough antique gear and uniforms to field a small army. He began but never completed cataloging his collection of items ranging in date from Classical Greece through World War I and housed in a large barn known locally as "Brem's Place." The barn, wagon shed, and ship studio contained not only the collection but also a master craftsman's studio and forge and an outstanding military reference library. From here Jackson gathered, restored, and researched his world-class holdings of militaria. He had an underground firing range on the property and occasionally even fired off cannons outside the barn. Although he occasionally corresponded with the Smithsonian's curators of military history, he never met with them and gave no notice of his intended bequest to the nation.
Much of his collection was part of a large bequest to the Smithsonian at his death in 1979.
General History
This type of sword was used by both French and American officers during the American Revolution.
Date made
1750-1770
ID Number
1980.0399.0227
accession number
1980.0399
catalog number
1980.0399.0227

George Washington's Camp Stool

Physical DescriptionFolding camp stool with wooden frame and leather seat.Specific HistoryGeorge Washington's camp stool used during the Revolutionary War.General HistoryWhen Washington encamped with his army, the troops carred tents, a collapsible bed, folding tables, camp stool
Description
Physical Description
Folding camp stool with wooden frame and leather seat.
Specific History
George Washington's camp stool used during the Revolutionary War.
General History
When Washington encamped with his army, the troops carred tents, a collapsible bed, folding tables, camp stools, and bags and trunks filled with equipment. Two sets of camp chests were purchased by Washington on 3 May 1776. Another set was captured from a British ship and sent to Washington in October 1778. By 1782, Washington's camp equipment was so extensive that he requested from Quartermaster Timothy Pickering two horses just to carry the load.
user
Washington, George
ID Number
AF.79371M
catalog number
79371M
accession number
319870

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

Fort Stewart Activities

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
maker
Signal Corps' Army Pictorial Service and Army Communications Service
ID Number
2013.0327.0219
catalog number
2013.0327.0219
accession number
2013.0327

Hessian Miter Cap

Physical DescriptionCloth body with brass fittings and a cap plate. The straw-colored cloth matches the regimental facings on their uniforms. The brass finial, supports, and crown are stamped with a variety of military symbols.
Description
Physical Description
Cloth body with brass fittings and a cap plate. The straw-colored cloth matches the regimental facings on their uniforms. The brass finial, supports, and crown are stamped with a variety of military symbols. The brass cap plate is stamped with the Hessian lion. The lion is rampant, rearing on the left hind leg with the forelegs elevated, the right above the left, and usually with the head in profile and holding a sword. The sword is engraved with the initials "FL" for Friedrich Landraf, the ruler of Hesse-Cassel.
Specific History
The Fusilier Regiment von Knyphausen was one of the regiments of the Second Division of troops from the German principality of Hesse-Cassel. It served as an auxiliary troop to the British Army during the American Revolution. Fusiliers were light infantry regiments in German armies and their distinctive miter cap differentiated them from other units.
General History
The miter is a ceremonial, peaked headdress.
date made
1775
ID Number
1978.2180.01
accession number
1978.2180
catalog number
1978.2180.01
84815M

Indian Scout Hat

Physical DescriptionBlack wool felt. Red and white cotton braid trim.Specific HistoryThis particular hat is from the War Department collection, and is in unissued condition. It conforms to specifications within close tolerances and carries the maker label "W.H Hurlbut/Contract?
Description
Physical Description
Black wool felt. Red and white cotton braid trim.
Specific History
This particular hat is from the War Department collection, and is in unissued condition. It conforms to specifications within close tolerances and carries the maker label "W.H Hurlbut/Contract? Sept. 29th 1890./737 Broadway, New York" on the inner side fo the 1 3/4 inch sweat. The edge of the brim carries three rows of stitching. The hat cord also conforms to the specifications.
General History
In 1866 the Congress in reestablishing the peace-time Army authorized the President "To enlist and employ in the Territories and Indian country a force of Indians, not to exceed 1000, to act as scouts, who shall receive the pay and allowances of cavalry soldiers, and to be discharged whenever the necessity for their employment is abated...."
As of October 1868 there were 412 such scouts in the service. Over the years these scouts were enlisted for periods varying from three months to six years, the greater majority being for six months (this latter period later becoming the allowable maximun) and receiving in addition to pay and allowances forty cents a day extra if they furnished their own horse and horse equipment.
In the later winter of 1889 - 1890 Lt. E. W. Casey, 22nd Infantry, commanding a company of scouts at Fort Keogh, Montana, conceived the idea of a distinctive uniform for the scouts to attract them to the service and improve morale. When the concept was approved, Casey submitted his recommendations in detail including a variant campaign hat, hat cord, insignia, overcoat, and guidon, plus a distinctive facing for the issue dress coat. The Secretary of War approved and directed the Quartermaster General to initiate procurement. The hat and trimmings were described in Circular No. 10, Headquarters of the Army, 11 August 1890:
Fatigue Hat: Of black felt, brim 3 1/2 inches wide, crown 3 1/2 inches high; brim to be well stiffened.
Hat Cord: Of white worsted cord, one strand of scarlet, terminating in two tassels 1 1/4 inches in length, same color and material as the cord.
Hat Ornament: Two arrows crossed, to be made of nickel or some white metal, 3 inches in length, the letters U.S.S. in the upper intersection."
from United States Army Headgear 1855-1902. Catalog of United States Army Uniforms in the Collections of the Smithsonian Institutuion, II by Edgar M. Howell, Smithsonian Instiutiton, 1975.
Date made
1890-1899
ID Number
ZZ.RSN83548W47
catalog number
64127.02
accession number
64127

Marine Corps Camouflage Helmet Cover

Physical DescriptionFirst pattern herringbone twill over M1 helmet.General HistoryThe first pattern herringbone twill helmet cover was developed as a way to camouflage the M1 helmet without adding much weight.
Description
Physical Description
First pattern herringbone twill over M1 helmet.
General History
The first pattern herringbone twill helmet cover was developed as a way to camouflage the M1 helmet without adding much weight. The cover slipped over the helmet and flaps tucked inside the steel shell. The cover was two-sided and reversible. One side was a four-color pattern of greens and browns and the other was three -color tans and brown. It was designed for an amphibious assault with the brown side in use when hitting a beach and the green side for jungle operations.
date made
1942
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
ZZ.RSN81522W04

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

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