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: Combat Art

A Battlefield at Mezy

A pencil and charcoal sketch on paper. Landscape of an area that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. A railroad track runs through the center of the sketch, bordered by fields where some of the fighting took place.
Description
A pencil and charcoal sketch on paper. Landscape of an area that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. A railroad track runs through the center of the sketch, bordered by fields where some of the fighting took place. An inscription at the bottom of the sketch reads, "2nd Battle of the Marne - Railroad Embankment at Mezy - Sector of the 38 Regt."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-02
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25949
catalog number
25949
accession number
64592

A General View of Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper mounted on brown card. The subject of the drawing is Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France, during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper mounted on brown card. The subject of the drawing is Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France, during World War I. The perspective is from a northeast position looking southwest toward two sets of hospital buildings on opposite sides of the river. The hospital complex on the right is composed of tents and barracks set up in orderly rows in front of a grove of trees. Several town buildings are in the center of the work including a tower which might be the steeple of a church.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25927
catalog number
25927
accession number
64592

Front Held by the 88th Division

Graphite, black crayon, and sanguine crayon sketch highlighted with turquoise gouache (or conte crayon). The scene is of a road lined with houses. A dead horse in the road is surrounded by descending crows. The half-timber houses are in ruins. Turquoise clouds in the background.
Description
Graphite, black crayon, and sanguine crayon sketch highlighted with turquoise gouache (or conte crayon). The scene is of a road lined with houses. A dead horse in the road is surrounded by descending crows. The half-timber houses are in ruins. Turquoise clouds in the background. The sketch is done on brown wove paper and then mounted on tan card. An inscription on the lower edge of the mount reads: "Front held by the 88th Division, October, 1918./Balschwiller, Alsace."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704B
catalog number
25704B
accession number
64592

A View from the Terrace at Boucq

Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper. The work depicts a view toward the east from a terrace in Boucq, France. The terrace is set high above a valley or flat plain with small towns depicted in the distance.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper. The work depicts a view toward the east from a terrace in Boucq, France. The terrace is set high above a valley or flat plain with small towns depicted in the distance. There are three planes and an American observation balloon in the sky.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25911
catalog number
25911
accession number
64592

Champs des Mars

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Soldiers in the Champs des Mars, World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Soldiers in the Champs des Mars, World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-03-25
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25962
catalog number
25962
accession number
64592

Rounding up Boche Prisoners

Charcoal, crayon, gouache, and blue wash drawing on heavy textured cream wove paper. The work depicts American soldiers marching German ("Boche") prisoners of war (unarmed, in green uniforms) through a street in a recaptured village on the Marne.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, gouache, and blue wash drawing on heavy textured cream wove paper. The work depicts American soldiers marching German ("Boche") prisoners of war (unarmed, in green uniforms) through a street in a recaptured village on the Marne. A woman is sitting inside one of the badly damaged buildings lining the street. Deceased German soldiers are lying on the ground in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
1918-07-01
1918-07-01
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25747
catalog number
25747
accession number
64592

A Lock in the Rhone Canal

Ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a lock on the Rhone Canal in German Alsace. A German village is visible on the left. A Chauchat gun emplacement manned by two allied soldiers is on the right.Currently not on view
Description
Ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a lock on the Rhone Canal in German Alsace. A German village is visible on the left. A Chauchat gun emplacement manned by two allied soldiers is on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25795
catalog number
25795
accession number
64592

The Castle Sedan Used as German Military Hospital

Ink wash and charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts the Château de Sedan, a castle in Sedan, France, while it was used as a German military hospital during World War I.
Description
Ink wash and charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts the Château de Sedan, a castle in Sedan, France, while it was used as a German military hospital during World War I. The foreground of the drawing is dominated by a large cross in a circle which appears to have been cut in to the grass on the ground. The castle is shown behind the cross, with a flag, likely a hospital flag, flying on one of its peaked roofs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25868
catalog number
25868
accession number
64592
64592

Flirey

Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts a ruined church spire atop a hill in Flirey, France. Troops and army trucks are in the road near the remains of a communicating trench in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts a ruined church spire atop a hill in Flirey, France. Troops and army trucks are in the road near the remains of a communicating trench in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25827
catalog number
25827
accession number
64592

In the Trail of the Retreating Germans

Charcoal sketch on paper of a mined road near Buzancy, France. The sketch shows a large crater, created by shell fire, that is partially filled with water. Two American soldiers stand on the lip of the crater.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of a mined road near Buzancy, France. The sketch shows a large crater, created by shell fire, that is partially filled with water. Two American soldiers stand on the lip of the crater. There are bare trees that surround the hole, and in the background there are houses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26000
catalog number
26000
accession number
64592

Crossing the Pontoon Bridge, Château Thierry

A mixed media drawing on white textured paper showing a pontoon bridge crossing in Château-Thierry. There are five pontoon boats serving as a base for a temporary bridge. Horse-drawn supply wagons cross the bridge against the backdrop of a village.Currently not on view
Description
A mixed media drawing on white textured paper showing a pontoon bridge crossing in Château-Thierry. There are five pontoon boats serving as a base for a temporary bridge. Horse-drawn supply wagons cross the bridge against the backdrop of a village.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25653
catalog number
25653
accession number
64592

Chaumont

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a view of Chaumont, France. The twin spires belong to the Basilique St. Jean Baptiste (Basilica of John the Baptist). The right of the spires, atop a hill, is the remains of the castle of the Counts of Champagne.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a view of Chaumont, France. The twin spires belong to the Basilique St. Jean Baptiste (Basilica of John the Baptist). The right of the spires, atop a hill, is the remains of the castle of the Counts of Champagne.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-03-23
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25966
catalog number
25966
accession number
64592

A Field Hospital on the Road to Château-Thierry

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts a field hospital near Château-Thierry, France. The field hospital, comprised of a number of white tents, is on the right.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts a field hospital near Château-Thierry, France. The field hospital, comprised of a number of white tents, is on the right. An ambulance and several people are in the adjacent road, which runs behind several permanent buildings. Two soldiers are sitting under a tree on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25938
catalog number
25938
accession number
64592

In the Main German Trenches

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The sketch depicts an American soldier seen through the supports of a trench.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The sketch depicts an American soldier seen through the supports of a trench.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25851
catalog number
25851
accession number
64592

Bridge at Echternach

Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg 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.25955
catalog number
25955
accession number
64592

The Marne at Jaulgonne

Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing is a view of the River Marne near Jaulgonne, France during World War I. Men are working on a hydraulic mill in the foreground of the work.
Description
Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing is a view of the River Marne near Jaulgonne, France during World War I. Men are working on a hydraulic mill in the foreground of the work. Several buildings with shell damage are shown in the background on the banks of the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-01
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25881
catalog number
25881
accession number
64592

Tents and Barracks at Gievres

Mixed media sketch (charcoal, pastel, and likely watercolor and/or gouache) on paper. In the center of the sketch is a stand of tall trees. Tents and other low structures form a line through the drawing. Several soldiers stand among the crop rows.
Description
Mixed media sketch (charcoal, pastel, and likely watercolor and/or gouache) on paper. In the center of the sketch is a stand of tall trees. Tents and other low structures form a line through the drawing. Several soldiers stand among the crop rows. There appear to be several telephone or telegraph poles in the background, behind the tents. These barracks were located at Gievres, France during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26067
catalog number
26067
accession number
64592

American-French Conference

Crayon and charcoal sketch on heavy cream wove paper. This is a crowded scene of American and French troops in a small, dark wine cellar. On the left, the Americans and French are gathered around a table; their faces are illuminated by a light on the table.
Description
Crayon and charcoal sketch on heavy cream wove paper. This is a crowded scene of American and French troops in a small, dark wine cellar. On the left, the Americans and French are gathered around a table; their faces are illuminated by a light on the table. On the right is a French soldier reclining; two soldiers are beside him, one of whom is wearing a sling around his right arm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25729
catalog number
25729
accession number
64592

Valley of the Alzette, Luxembourg

Charcoal and ink wash drawing on white paper. The sketch is a view of a village on the Alzette River in Luxembourg during World War I. A church spire frames the right foreground of the drawing.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash drawing on white paper. The sketch is a view of a village on the Alzette River in Luxembourg during World War I. A church spire frames the right foreground of the drawing. There are two bridges spanning the river: a small one in the bottom foreground and a large one in the distance. A steep bluff abuts the town on the left, and hills are visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25895
catalog number
25895
accession number
64592

The Luxembourg Frontier

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows the Moselle river and a riverside village to its right in the distance. The village has a church and a few large buildings.
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows the Moselle river and a riverside village to its right in the distance. The village has a church and a few large buildings. There are people (possibly soldiers) along the river bank and on the road headed into the village. There are mountains on the left side of the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26065
catalog number
26065
accession number
64592

Troops Leaving Esnes

Mixed media sketch on paper. In the sketch, a column of troops advances down a road that runs from the left background to the right foreground. The landscape behind the troops shows the effects of the war.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. In the sketch, a column of troops advances down a road that runs from the left background to the right foreground. The landscape behind the troops shows the effects of the war. A piece of equipment appears to be stuck on the side of the road on the left side of the sketch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-26
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25892
catalog number
25892
accession number
64592

Constructing the Great Wharves at Montoir

Mixed media drawing on paper. A field bordered by long, low barracks. Soldiers at work and a stack of supplies occupy the field.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media drawing on paper. A field bordered by long, low barracks. Soldiers at work and a stack of supplies occupy the field.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25971
catalog number
25971
accession number
64592

The Main Street in Sanzey

Brush and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Sketch depicts a road leading through a village. A church with a large steeple dominates the scene. Troops with horses and a wagon are on the right, lined up against the building.
Description
Brush and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Sketch depicts a road leading through a village. A church with a large steeple dominates the scene. Troops with horses and a wagon are on the right, lined up against the building. Smaller buildings and a water trough are on the left. Down the road, a mounted soldier's horse rears in front of a man and small child. The sketch is executed on white wove paper mounted on beige card that has been 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.25703
catalog number
25703
accession number
64592

Crossing the Rhine at Coblenz

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of the first American soldiers to cross the Rhine river at Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz) after the Armistice of World War I. A pontoon bridge provides a crossing over the Rhine River.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of the first American soldiers to cross the Rhine river at Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz) after the Armistice of World War I. A pontoon bridge provides a crossing over the Rhine River. On the left of the bridge is a column of soldiers; a few vehicles are on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12-13
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25968
catalog number
25968
accession number
64592

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