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: 1940s

The Tholins in Emporia, Kansas

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940s
ID Number
2013.0327.1073
accession number
2013.0327
catalog number
2013.0327.1073

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of one star General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of one star General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. Roosevelt wears a olive drab uniform with suspenders with infantry collar insignia (possibly representing a Puerto Rico Regiment) and a M1 helmet (with chinstrap) with one silver star (indicating rank). Roosevelt appears to be addressing someone just beyond the boundaries of the portrait, extending his right arm. He holds a camo colored cane in his left hand (which he used due to arthritis from old WWI injuries). Roosevelt is in front of a green background. His signature, in pen, is written on a paper label glued to the bottom left 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.58380M
catalog number
58380M
accession number
211728

Instruction sheet, Western Defense Command & Fourth Army

This object is an instruction sheet for repatriation to Japan. Those who applied for repatriation were transferred from their original internment camps to Tule Lake Relocation Camp.
Description
This object is an instruction sheet for repatriation to Japan. Those who applied for repatriation were transferred from their original internment camps to Tule Lake Relocation Camp. In 1943 Tule Lake became a high-security Segregation Center for persons of Japanese ancestry that were believed to have conflicting national loyalties as well as those that applied for repatriation and those who did not want to leave the camp when it transformed from a Relocation Center to a Segregation Center. Many were sent to Tule Lake due to the answers they gave on the “loyalty” questionnaire; this included individuals and whole families.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1942-07
ID Number
1987.3020.03
nonaccession number
1987.3020
catalog number
1987.3020.03

Flying Jacket

Physical DescriptionKhaki jacket.Specific HistoryThis khaki flying jacket was worn by George Gay at the Battle of Midway, June 4-7, 1942.General HistoryOn June 7, 1942 the crippled carrier USS Yorktown rolled over and sank off Midway Island.
Description
Physical Description
Khaki jacket.
Specific History
This khaki flying jacket was worn by George Gay at the Battle of Midway, June 4-7, 1942.
General History
On June 7, 1942 the crippled carrier USS Yorktown rolled over and sank off Midway Island. Its crew members, watching from escorting destroyers, broke down in tears. All ships lowered flags to half staff. "The Old York's going down," a chief said over and over. As the carrier sliped beneath the waves, the Battle of Midway finally ended.
Earlier that day the Japanese tried to get closer to the American ships. Fifteen TBD-1 "Devastators" of Lieutenant Commander John C. Waldron's Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8), from USS Hornet, bravely pressed their attack against a swarm of nimble and deadly Japanese "Zero" fighters. All were shot down. One man pulled out of the ocean was Ensign George Gay, the sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron Eight. At the time of Gay’s death in 1996, his ashes were scattered over the grid reference off Midway where his shipmates fell, forever reuniting Torpedo Squadron Eight's aviators.
associated date
1941 - 1945
user
Gay, George H.
ID Number
AF.59193-N
catalog number
59193-N
accession number
253618

shirt

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated institution
U.S. Army
ID Number
AF.76697M
catalog number
76697M
designer number
8-108
accession number
303478

Short-Term Leave Authorization, WRA

Rigid structures of control were in place during the incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans.
Description
Rigid structures of control were in place during the incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans. Every movement inside the barbed wire fences of relocation centers were watched by guards, while movements outside of the camps were heavily documented and reinforced with strict time allowances.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943-05-02
ID Number
1986.3128.08
nonaccession number
1986.3128
catalog number
1986.3128.08

H. H. Arnold

Oil painting on white illustration board. Painting is a bust portrait of General H.H. Arnold of the Commanding Army Air Forces. Arnold is facing slightly to the left in the painting, and is wearing his formal uniform.
Description
Oil painting on white illustration board. Painting is a bust portrait of General H.H. Arnold of the Commanding Army Air Forces. Arnold is facing slightly to the left in the painting, and is wearing his formal uniform. His Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Cross, and Air Medal ribbons are visible on his coat. The three oak leaves on his Distinguished Service Medal ribbon show that he had been given the award four times. Arnold is also wearing a Command Pilot aviation badge and his Military Aviator badge. Arnold's Air Corps and Officer insignia are visible on his lapel and collar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.46978
catalog number
46978
accession number
166217

Anchor's Aweigh; Semper Paratus

Victor Military Band. side 1: Anchor's Aweigh (The Song of the Navy); side 2: Semper Paratus (Coast Guard Song) (Victor 27812), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Victor Military Band. side 1: Anchor's Aweigh (The Song of the Navy); side 2: Semper Paratus (Coast Guard Song) (Victor 27812), from the album, Songs of the Service (Victor P 117).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1942
recording artist
Victor Military Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1980.0339.32
accession number
1980.0339
maker number
27812
P 117
catalog number
1980.0339.32

Herringbone Twill; Model 1943

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1943 -
associated date
1941 - 1945
1949
ID Number
AF.79397M
accession number
320748
catalog number
79397M
320748.20

Carved Kobu, man and animals

This object is an example of kobu art, in which roots and trunks of trees provide natural sculptures. Some artists left the kobu looking natural, while others carved or painted the piece to use for other purposes. This particular kobu functioned as a vase.Currently not on view
Description
This object is an example of kobu art, in which roots and trunks of trees provide natural sculptures. Some artists left the kobu looking natural, while others carved or painted the piece to use for other purposes. This particular kobu functioned as a vase.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1943-1945
ID Number
1986.3144.59
nonaccession number
1986.3144
catalog number
1986.3144.59

Leslie McNair

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Leslie J. McNair in front of a green background. McNair wears a officer pin on the collar of his khaki uniform shirt (with tie). He also wears a peaked cap with the U.S. Coat of Arms cap insignia.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Leslie J. McNair in front of a green background. McNair wears a officer pin on the collar of his khaki uniform shirt (with tie). He also wears a peaked cap with the U.S. Coat of Arms cap insignia. Catalogue card reads: "Commander Army Ground Forces, KIA "D" Day WW II".
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.46996
catalog number
46996
accession number
166217

Soviet Pistolet-Pulemyot Shpagina (Model PPSh-41) Submachinegun

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1941
associated date
1942
ID Number
AF.58481M
catalog number
58481M
accession number
213453
serial number
7661

Model 1943

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1943
associated
Rubin, Edward
ID Number
1985.0611.0082
catalog number
1985.0611.0082
accession number
1985.0611

USO Uniform Cap, worn by Rosalind Cron

This olive drab knitted wooly hat 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 a
Description

This olive drab knitted wooly hat 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
2011.0048.04
accession number
2011.0048
catalog number
2011.0048.04

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
2013.0327.0214
catalog number
2013.0327.0214
accession number
2013.0327

George S. Patton, Jr.

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General George Smith Patton, Jr. Patton possibly wears a aviation jacket with fur on the collar and a M1 Helmet with four silver stars (indicating his rank of General) with chinstrap.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General George Smith Patton, Jr. Patton possibly wears a aviation jacket with fur on the collar and a M1 Helmet with four silver stars (indicating his rank of General) with chinstrap. He has a "go-getter" expression and painted in front of a blue/green background.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
depicted (sitter)
Patton, George S.
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.46999
catalog number
46999
accession number
166217

Model 1943

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1944
used date
1943 -
associated
Rubin, Edward
maker
Sigmund Eisner Co.
ID Number
1985.0611.0077
catalog number
1985.0611.0077
accession number
1985.0611

Model 1943

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1943 -
associated institution
U.S. Army
associated
Rubin, Edward
ID Number
AF.79484M
catalog number
320748.107
accession number
320748

Navy Dungarees and "Dixie Cup" Hat

Physical DescriptionBlue navy dungaree pants and lighter blue shirt. White cotton cap.General HistoryNavy enlisted personnel wore the popular and functional denim dungarees. In 1852 a white cover was added to the soft, visor-less blue cap.
Description
Physical Description
Blue navy dungaree pants and lighter blue shirt. White cotton cap.
General History
Navy enlisted personnel wore the popular and functional denim dungarees. In 1852 a white cover was added to the soft, visor-less blue cap. In 1866 a white sennit straw hat was authorized as an additional item. During the 1880s the white sailor's hat appeared as a low, rolled-brim item made of wedge shaped pieces of canvas. The canvas hat replaced the straw. Then the canvas was replaced by cotton as a cheaper, more comfortable material. During World War II this navy hat was dubbed the “Dixie Cup” because it resembled the paper cup of the same name.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
Associated Date
ca 1939-1945
associated person
Clark, James B.
ID Number
1977.0245.091
catalog number
59878-N(4)
accession number
1977.0245
catalog number
1977.0245.091

Poster, You Bet I'm Going Back to Sea

During World War II, the United States government recognized that full public support and dedication to the war effort was essential to victory.
Description
During World War II, the United States government recognized that full public support and dedication to the war effort was essential to victory. To bolster support, the government hired artists to create propaganda posters, designed to promote patriotism with simple, catchy slogans and colorful images. Toiling factory workers, thrifty home front mothers, and fearless soldiers were among the most popular images used by artists to communicate the message.
This 1942 poster commissioned by the War Shipping Administration encouraged a specific mission, designed to attract former seamen back into the Merchant Marine. At the time, American shipyards were producing cargo ships faster than crews could be assembled, forcing recruiters to rely not only on new volunteers, but also to persuade experienced mariners to leave retirement and go back to sea.
The creation of incentive posters mainly fell under the watch of the Office of War Information, a government agency created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in June 1942 to consolidate public information services and coordinate the sanctioned release of war news. The OWI reviewed and approved the content of newsreels, radio broadcasts, and billboards, in addition to producing hundreds of posters. Initially, the most pressing message to be communicated through posters was a warning to Americans about the dangers of discussing sensitive information like production schedules and troop movements that could be overheard by enemy spies. Over the course of the war, posters covered a variety of topics, such as encouraging the purchase of war bonds and galvanizing the work force at shipyards to keep production going on the assembly line.
date made
1942
commissioned poster
War Shipping Administration
directed poster program
United States. Office of War Information
Associated Name
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
ID Number
1991.0856.07
catalog number
1991.0856.07
accession number
1991.0856

Pamphlet, "Issei, Nissei, Kibei"

The reprint of Fortune Magazine’s “Issei, Nisei, Kibei”, which reviewed the war relocation program, reached a wide swathe of the United States and confronted Americans with the severe social issues taking place on the home front.
Description
The reprint of Fortune Magazine’s “Issei, Nisei, Kibei”, which reviewed the war relocation program, reached a wide swathe of the United States and confronted Americans with the severe social issues taking place on the home front. Awareness of the prejudicial treatment of these specific citizens was widespread, yet, it took years until the internment system was dismantled and Japanese Americans were left to reassemble their lives.
"Fortune Magazine reviews the program of the War Relocation Authority and the problems created by the evacuation from the West Coast of 110,000 people of Japanese descent."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944-04
maker
Fortune Magazine
ID Number
1986.3144.35
nonaccession number
1986.3144
catalog number
1986.3144.35

Hershey's Tropical Chocolate Bar

Physical DescriptionPaper candy wrapper over candy bar.General HistoryIn 1943, the procurement division of the army inquired about the possibility of obtaining a heat-resistant chocolate bar with an improved flavor.
Description
Physical Description
Paper candy wrapper over candy bar.
General History
In 1943, the procurement division of the army inquired about the possibility of obtaining a heat-resistant chocolate bar with an improved flavor. After a short period of experimentation, Hershey's Tropical Chocolate Bar in both one- and two-ounce sizes was added to the list of war production items. This bar was destined to exceed all other items in the tonnage produced. The Army-Navy "E" Production Award was given to Hershey Chocolate Corporation on August 22, 1942, in recognition of its outstanding war effort. The corporation received a flag to fly above the chocolate plant and a lapel pin for every employee. The award was presented for exceeding all production expectations in the manufacturing of an Emergency Field Ration. The “E” production award was not easily won nor lightly bestowed. The award recognized companies that consistently met high standards of quality and quantity in light of available resources. Major General Edmund Gregory said of Hershey, "The men and women of Hershey Chocolate Corporation have every reason to be proud of their great work in backing up our soldiers on the fighting fronts." In all, the Hershey Chocolate Corporation received five Army-Navy "E" awards.
date made
1943
maker
Hershey Chocolate Corporation
ID Number
1977.0865.07
catalog number
1977.0865.07
accession number
1977.0865
catalog number
80015M

Herringbone Twill; Model 1943

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
used date
1943 -
associated institution
U.S. Army
ID Number
AF.79391M
designer number
PQD 45D
55-J-50845
accession number
320748

insignia, pair of

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.09
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.09

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