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: 1930s

USO Uniform Blouse, worn by Rosalind Cron

This khaki blouse was worn by Rosalind "Roz" Cron during the USO-sponsored tour of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm to France and Germany between July 1945 and January 1946.The International Sweethearts of Rhythm was the nation's first racially-integrated all-girl swing an
Description

This khaki blouse was worn by Rosalind "Roz" Cron during the USO-sponsored tour of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm to France and Germany between July 1945 and January 1946.

The International Sweethearts of Rhythm was the nation's first racially-integrated all-girl swing and jazz band. The group was initially formed from a girls' band at Missippi's Piney Woods Country Life School in the late 1930s. In 1941, the girls severed ties with the school and turned professional. Soon the group was recognized on a national level, and the girls began touring throughout the country. They even put on shows in the Jim Crow South where it was illegal for mixed races to travel and perform together. During WWII, their popularity with soldiers overseas also landed them a spot with the USO Camp Shows which toured France and Germany for six months from 1945-1946.

At age 18, Roz Cron was the youngest and one of the few white women to join the Sweethearts. Cron joined the group in 1943 to play alto sax for the band.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945
wearer
Cron, Rosalind
ID Number
2011.0048.02
accession number
2011.0048
catalog number
2011.0048.02

Purple Heart

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
recipient
German, Vernon
ID Number
2010.0058.02
accession number
2010.0058

G43 Semiautomatic Rifle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1943
ID Number
AF.58626M
catalog number
58626M
accession number
213624
serial number
22047
1758C

"For Your Country's Sake Today--For Your Own Sake Tomorrow" Poster

Physical DescriptionFour-color print on paper.Specific HistoryThe Division of Military History and Diplomacy has been collecting recruiting posters for more than fifty 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 fifty years. Recruiting as an activity of the military is important to the understanding of who serves in uniform, during both war and peace, 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 marines. 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 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 on 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
1944
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
AF.59413-M
catalog number
59413-M
accession number
167949

German "Tellermine" Anti-Tank Mine

Physical DescriptionGerman Model 43, metal case, small metal carrying handle, marked T.Mi.PH7.43 T. Mi Z42.13A.General HistoryThe standard anti-tank mine used by the Germans in world War II was called the "Tellermine." It was loaded with one pound of TNT.
Description
Physical Description
German Model 43, metal case, small metal carrying handle, marked T.Mi.PH7.43 T. Mi Z42.13A.
General History
The standard anti-tank mine used by the Germans in world War II was called the "Tellermine." It was loaded with one pound of TNT. It was a large, flattened, circular, plate-shaped mine with a carrying handle on one side. It featured a pull igniter for special use, but was more commonly ignited with a centrally mounted detonator charge screwed into the base charge. It took 350 pounds to set off this mine, which could rip the tracks off any tank.
date made
ca 1943
ID Number
AF.78553M
catalog number
78553M
accession number
308845

Nicholas Oresko

Oil on thick illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant Nicolas Oresko. Oresko wears a Khaki uniform with a overseas cap and artillery belt. The uniform has been gone over lightly in blue.
Description
Oil on thick illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant Nicolas Oresko. Oresko wears a Khaki uniform with a overseas cap and artillery belt. The uniform has been gone over lightly in blue. He also wears the 94th Division patch insignia and the Army service chevrons of a Techical Sergeant 2nd grade on his left arm sleeve. Oresko is sitting, and rest his arms on both legs, while holding a M1 heltmet (with the inside exposed). His signature (in pencil) is in the bottom right corner.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47014
catalog number
47014
accession number
166217

"Remember Pearl Harbor" Lapel Pin

Physical DescriptionBrown, carved with a liberty bell and raised lettering reading "Remember Pearl Harbor."General HistoryAfter the December 7, 1941, bombing of the military base at Pearl Harbor, Americans rallied around the war effort with the patriotic cry, "Remember Pearl Harb
Description
Physical Description
Brown, carved with a liberty bell and raised lettering reading "Remember Pearl Harbor."
General History
After the December 7, 1941, bombing of the military base at Pearl Harbor, Americans rallied around the war effort with the patriotic cry, "Remember Pearl Harbor." Thousands of buttons or lapel pins were distributed to remind Americans of the tragic event and to solidify the war efforts.
ID Number
AF.82247M
catalog number
82247M
accession number
1977.0876

Walter Kreuger

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Walter Kreuger.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Walter Kreuger. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal with two gold leaf clusters, Dewey Medal, Legion of Merit, Spanish War Service, Army of Cuban Occupation, unknown ribbon (majority obscured by lapel, possibly Philippine Campaign), Mexican Boarder Service, unknown ribbon with a gold star (bands of black, green, yellow, and a orange center), Army of Occupation of German, American Defense Service, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with four gold stars, unknown ribbon (white ribbon with a large red block in center), unknown ribbon (solid yellow ribbon with possibly a yellow rosette), unknown ribbon (large band of yellow flanked by white and blue bands on either side), unknown ribbon (begins and ends in red with two bars of blue and white in center, and the Marine Corps Recruiting ribbon. Kreuger wears officer pins on his lapels and a sixth army insignia patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve and two gold overseas service chevrons (indicating his service in WWI) and six overseas service bars (indicating his service in WWII) on his lower left arm sleeve. He rests his left arm on a table and is wearing a gold watch on his left wrist.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.56994M
catalog number
56994M
accession number
166217

Eisenhower Jacket

Physical DescriptionWool jacket with insignia.Specific HistoryThis jacket was worn by donor William Lubar while a flight-training instructor.General HistoryGeneral Dwight Eisenhower considered the original World War II uniform to be poor for combat.
Description
Physical Description
Wool jacket with insignia.
Specific History
This jacket was worn by donor William Lubar while a flight-training instructor.
General History
General Dwight Eisenhower considered the original World War II uniform to be poor for combat. He felt it fit badly and was restrictive. Eisenhower wanted a uniform that would be neater. He had his tailor take a Wool Field Jacket Model 1944 and modify it to his specifications. He wanted a style which could be worn by itself or over a shirt. According to an aide, Eisenhower wanted the jacket to be "very short, very comfortable, and very natty looking." The “Ike jacket” became standard issue for U.S. troops beginning in November 1944. While it was intended for wear in battle, most soldiers preferred to save the "Ike jacket" for non-combat situations.
date made
ca 1944
Associated Name
Eisenhower, Dwight D.
ID Number
1994.0388.01
accession number
1994.0388
catalog number
1994.0388.01

rosary

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.02
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.02

Alexander Day Surles

European-African Middle Eastern Campaign, Order of Abdon Calderón, Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Medal (El Salvador), WWI Victory, and a Unknown Ribbon (solid light blue possibly Order of the Elephant).
Description
European-African Middle Eastern Campaign, Order of Abdon Calderón, Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Medal (El Salvador), WWI Victory, and a Unknown Ribbon (solid light blue possibly Order of the Elephant). Surles wears a khaki service coat with officer pins on his label and possibly a green and gold cord below his right breast pocket. He has grey hair and blue eyes. Surles signature is at the bottom right corner of the portrait.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47005
catalog number
47005
accession number
166217

Robert P. Patterson

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson. Patterson wears a Distinguished Service Cross lapel pin on his personal jacket. He also wears a blue tie. Patterson sits in front of a light brown background.Currently not on view
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson. Patterson wears a Distinguished Service Cross lapel pin on his personal jacket. He also wears a blue tie. Patterson sits in front of a light brown background.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.46981
catalog number
46981
accession number
166217

collar insignia, pair of

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.10
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.10

Army Navy Service

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.3060.02
nonaccession number
2008.3060
catalog number
2008.3060.02

Herringbone Twill Coveralls

Physical DescriptionHerringbone twill mechanic's coveralls.General HistoryWartime mobilization called for work and sacrifices at home. Rationing, scrap metal drives, and Victory Gardens became part of civilian life in the 1940s.
Description
Physical Description
Herringbone twill mechanic's coveralls.
General History
Wartime mobilization called for work and sacrifices at home. Rationing, scrap metal drives, and Victory Gardens became part of civilian life in the 1940s. One dramatic social change was the enlistment of women for military service and their essential work in war plants. Coveralls such as these were commonly worn in factories by all workers.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941-1945
ID Number
1985.0611.0126
accession number
1985.0611
catalog number
1985.0611.0126

jacket

associated date
1941 - 1945
associated institution
U.S. Army
ID Number
AF.79377M

coat

ID Number
2015.0262.01
accession number
2015.0262
catalog number
2015.0262.01

Summer WAC Jacket

Physical DescriptionKhaki-colored tropical worsted material with a rolled collar with lapels, epaulets on the shoulders, two false horizontal breast pockets with small gold-colored metallic buttons, and two side pockets over the hips.
Description
Physical Description
Khaki-colored tropical worsted material with a rolled collar with lapels, epaulets on the shoulders, two false horizontal breast pockets with small gold-colored metallic buttons, and two side pockets over the hips. The jacket is closed by four gold-colored metallic buttons. Staff sergeant chevrons are on the upper arm of both sleeves above the elbow, the Eighth Army Air Force patch is on the left shoulder, and four overseas bars indicate two years' service overseas. All buttons have the Great Seal of the United States on the front. The collar disk on the right lapel contains the letters "U.S." denoting United States; the collar disk on the left lapel contains the wings and propeller blade of an enlisted member of the Army Air Forces. Both disks are made from gold-colored metal. Ribbons over the left breast pocket represent the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Specific History
This jacket was worn by Staff Sergeant Margaret C. Frank, WAC, who was assigned to the Eighth Air Force in England as a telephone operator from 1943 to 1945.
General History
During World War II over 150,000 women served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) or Women's Army Corps (WAC). Special legislation was required before the women could serve in the army. The law authorizing the WAAC was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt in May 1942 and the first WAACs began training in July 1942. Initially WAACs were only assigned to duties in the continental United States. However, when General Dwight Eisenhower requested trained secretarial, clerical, and administrative personnel, a WAAC detachment was sent to his headquarters in North Africa in early 1943. A WAAC battalion was sent to England in spring 1943 to provide similar expertise to army and air forces units gathering for the invasion of Europe.
The status of the WAAC as an auxiliary, serving with but not in the army, was confusing and made many routine activities difficult. In mid-1943, Congress authorized the Women's Army Corps as a full-fledged army organization. All WAACs were either converted to WAC status or discharged. Women served in many jobs in addition to the secretarial, clerical, and administrative fields. They were assigned as drivers, mechanics, cooks, ordnance specialists, and radio operators; they worked in communications, logistics, public affairs, medical, intelligence, and many other specialties. They served in the United States and in all overseas theaters. Because of their exemplary record, women were made a part of the regular military establishment in 1948.
associated date
1941 - 1945
user
Frank, Margaret C.
ID Number
AF.79105M
designer number
PQD 426
55-J-569-243
accession number
317886
catalog number
79105M

Order to Report for Induction

Physical DescriptionOrder to Report for InductionSpecific HistoryThe Order to Report for Induction for Benjamin Layton of Georgia.General HistoryThe United States government established a draft board during World War II.
Description
Physical Description
Order to Report for Induction
Specific History
The Order to Report for Induction for Benjamin Layton of Georgia.
General History
The United States government established a draft board during World War II. The purpose was to establish which men were or were not qualified for military duty. Males were required to register and complete a physical and a written exam as part of their screening. After testing was completed, men were placed into various “categories.” Category one was the best-qualified while Category four indicated a male disqualified for one of many reasons, such as too many children, flat feet, or poor education. The draft board issued notices to report for classification, medical exams, and induction.
date of mailing
1941
associated dates
1941-08-29
recipient
Layton, Benjamin T.
sender
Local Board Number 12
ID Number
1993.3172.04
catalog number
1993.3172.04
nonaccession number
1993.3172

"Remember Pearl Harbor" Lapel Pin

Physical DescriptionCast metal featuring an eagle with spread wings.
Description
Physical Description
Cast metal featuring an eagle with spread wings. A pierced oval with "Remember" in red above a pearl and "Harbor" in blue below.
General History
After the December 7, 1941, bombing of the military base at Pearl Harbor, Americans rallied around the war effort with the patriotic cry, "Remember Pearl Harbor." Thousands of buttons or lapel pins were distributed to remind Americans of the tragic event and to solidify the war efforts.
ID Number
AF.82244M
catalog number
82244M
accession number
1977.0876

Homer L. Wise

Oil on thick illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant Honer L. Wise. Wise wears a olive drab field uniform with a artillery belt. He holds a M1 rifle in his left hand (on his hand there is a gold wedding band) and rests his right hand on his hip.
Description
Oil on thick illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant Honer L. Wise. Wise wears a olive drab field uniform with a artillery belt. He holds a M1 rifle in his left hand (on his hand there is a gold wedding band) and rests his right hand on his hip. Wise has brown hair, blue eyes, and is clean shaven. His uniform has been gone over with a thin coating of the color blue (common for most Chase Medal of Honor portraits). His signature in pencil is in the bottom right corner of the portrait.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47019
catalog number
47019
accession number
166217

Ben Kuroki

Oil on illustration board in a card board frame. Portrait of Sergeant Ben Kuroki.
Description
Oil on illustration board in a card board frame. Portrait of Sergeant Ben Kuroki. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: American Campaign, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign with four gold oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, unknown medal (alternating bands of yellow and light blue), Air Medal with four gold oak leaf clusters, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with two gold leaf clusters. Army Aviation Bage includes the Aerial Gunner Badge. Kuroki wears a Air Force Presidential Unit Citation above his right breast pocket. He wears two 8th AF insignia and two Technical Sergeant 2d Grade patches on both sleeves. Kuroki wears a gold ring on his right hand and is sitting in a chair.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47012
catalog number
47012
accession number
166217

blanket

associated date
1941 - 1945
transfer
United States Army. Fort Pickett
ID Number
AF.79799M
catalog number
79799M
nonaccession number
1985.3041

Simon Boliver Buckner, Jr

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Simon Boliver Buckner, Jr. Buckner wears a long sleeve olive shirt with shoulder loops. His necktie is tucked into the shirt between the second and third buttons.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Simon Boliver Buckner, Jr. Buckner wears a long sleeve olive shirt with shoulder loops. His necktie is tucked into the shirt between the second and third buttons. Bucker also wears a officer pin on his collar and a overseas cap. He is in front of a blue background.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
maker
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.46984
catalog number
46984
accession number
166217

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