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 Purse, used by Rosaling Cron

This brown dimpled leather purse with shoulder strap was used 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 ra
Description

This brown dimpled leather purse with shoulder strap was used 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
2011.0048.05
accession number
2011.0048
catalog number
2011.0048.05

Edward C. Morse's Purple Heart

Physical DescriptionThe Purple Heart is suspended on purple ribbon. The medal is made in the shape of a heart bordered with gold. Within the center of the heart is a bust of George Washington.
Description
Physical Description
The Purple Heart is suspended on purple ribbon. The medal is made in the shape of a heart bordered with gold. Within the center of the heart is a bust of George Washington. On top of the heart is Washington’s coat of arms.
Specific History
This Purple Heart was awarded posthumously to Edward C. Morse who was killed aboard the USS Arizona on December 7, 1941. The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in the world in present use. It is the first American award made available to the common soldier. General George Washington created it as a Badge of Military Merit. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded at the hands of the enemy. It is awarded posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.
General History
On December 7, 1941 Japanese aircraft flew over Pearl Harbor just before 8 a.m. The color detail was on deck to raise the flag at the stern at 8. The Arizona came under attack almost immediately, and by about 8:10 received a hit by an 800-kilogram bomb just forward of turret two on the starboard side. Within a few seconds the forward powder magazines exploded. This explosion gutted the forward part of the ship. The foremast and forward superstructure collapsed. Turrets one and two dropped more than twenty feet relative to their normal position. The explosion ignited furious fires in the forward part of the ship. The majority of the crew members were either killed by the explosion and fire or were trapped by the rapid sinking of the ship. 1,177 of the crew died on the ship.
Associated Date
1941-12-07
ID Number
AF.59458
catalog number
59458
accession number
268315

"The Army Air Corps"

This sheet music is for the song "The Army Air Corps," with words and music by Robert Crawford. It was published by Carl Fischer, Inc. in New York, New York in 1939.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "The Army Air Corps," with words and music by Robert Crawford. It was published by Carl Fischer, Inc. in New York, New York in 1939. The cover indicates that this song is the "Official song of the United States Army Air Corps."
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1939
publisher
Carl Fischer Inc.
ID Number
1983.0693.02
accession number
1983.0693
catalog number
1983.0693.02

Identification Tag and Cover

Physical DescriptionMetal tag imprinted "Mary A. Millian" on a chain.
Description
Physical Description
Metal tag imprinted "Mary A. Millian" on a chain. Green yarn crocheted cover.
General History
The idea of identifying a soldier in case of injury or death during combat dates back to the Civil War, when soldiers pinned paper notes to their clothing as identification. Metal identification tags, or "dog tags" as they are popularly known, have their origins in World War I. By 1913 the United States Army made ID tags mandatory. During World War II each soldier was given two dog tags, a short chain and a long chain. The purpose of the different lengths of chain was to keep the two tags separate, so as not to make noise in the field. The smaller chain was also used for purposes of body identification in case of death.
Location
Currently not on view
issued
1944
ID Number
AF.74521M
accession number
292450
catalog number
74521M

chalice veil

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.05
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.05

cross

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.03
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.03

Brehon B. Somervell

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Brehon B. Somervell.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Brehon B. Somervell. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Spanish War Service, WWI Victory (with two gold stars), Army of Occupation of Germany, American Defense Service, Europeon-African Middle Eastern Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, and Unknown Ribboon (begining and ending in red, blue band in middle with two white bands on either side. resembles Bronze Star but bands of white are too large). Somervell wears a service coat with gold officer pins on his lapels and Army Service Forces patch insignia on the shouder of his left arm sleeve. He has slicked back grey/white hair and a thin moustache. Somervell sits with his hands folded. He is in front of a brown backgroup. His signature in pencil is in the bottom right corner.
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.47002
catalog number
47002
accession number
166217

Chung IL-Kwon

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Chung IL-Kwon. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Cross. IL-Kwon wears two unknown Republic of Korea Merit Ribbons above his right breast pocket.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Chung IL-Kwon. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Cross. IL-Kwon wears two unknown Republic of Korea Merit Ribbons above his right breast pocket. He possibly wears a Korean medal of merit (in the shape of a sun) below his left breast pocket. IL-Kwon wears a blue and white shoulder tab that says "KOREA" above a blue and white triangle patch insignia (inside are three small white stars at the triangle's points and one large white star in the middle of the triangle). He also wears a black tie and glasses.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1951 - 1953
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58381M
catalog number
58381M
accession number
211728

"Want Action? Join U.S. Marine Corps!" Poster

Physical DescriptionFour-color print on paper.Specific HistoryJames Montgomery Flagg, the creator of this poster, was born in New York in 1877. As a child he began to draw and sold his first picture at the age of twelve.
Description
Physical Description
Four-color print on paper.
Specific History
James Montgomery Flagg, the creator of this poster, was born in New York in 1877. As a child he began to draw and sold his first picture at the age of twelve. Two years later he was contributing to Life magazine and at fifteen was on the staff of the The Judge. Flagg studied at the Art Students League in New York. When he was twenty, he spent a year working in London before moving to France. Flagg was one of America's leading illustrators. His illustrations were in Photoplay, McClure's Magazine, Collier's Weekly, Ladies' Home Journal, Cosmopolitan, Saturday Evening Post, and Harper's Weekly. During the World War I Flagg designed forty-six posters for the government. His most famous work is the Uncle Sam poster with the caption "I Want You for the U.S. Army." An adapted version of this poster was also used during the World War II. Flagg died in 1960.
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
1942
artist
Flagg, James Montgomery
ID Number
AF.59744-N(19)
catalog number
59744-N(19)
accession number
303735
303735

shoulder boards, pair of

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.06
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.06

USO Uniform Service Ribbon, presented to Roslind Cron

This Overseas Service ribbon was given to Rosalind "Roz" Cron after 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-gi
Description

This Overseas Service ribbon was given to Rosalind "Roz" Cron after 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.

Both 2011.0048.06 and .07 were in an envelope addressed to donor. It was postmarked Feb 6, 1947 from New York, NY. From the USO Camp Shows; Eight West Fortieth Street, New York 18 NY. Letter dated February 6, 1947 to Miss Rosalind Cron concerning her Civilian Service Emblem. Letter was signed by Abe Lastfogel, president.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1946
wearer
Cron, Rosalind
ID Number
2011.0048.07
accession number
2011.0048
catalog number
2011.0048.07

shirt

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated institution
U.S. Army
maker
Fordham Shirt Company, Inc.
ID Number
AF.72341M
catalog number
72341M
accession number
283651

USO Uniform Hat, worm by Rosalind Cron

This olive drab garrison hat with a "USO Camp Shows" patch 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 fi
Description

This olive drab garrison hat with a "USO Camp Shows" patch 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
2011.0048.03
accession number
2011.0048
catalog number
2011.0048.03

communion pall

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.04
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.04

German Submarine Jacket

General HistoryGerman Navy foul-weather submarine bridge jacket that would have been worn by an enlisted man.
Description
General History
German Navy foul-weather submarine bridge jacket that would have been worn by an enlisted man.
associated date
1941-1945
ID Number
1980.0806.03
accession number
1980.0806
catalog number
1980.0806.03

Jonathan M. Wainwright

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Jonathan M. Wainwright.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Jonathan M. Wainwright. Army Serivce Ribbons for Decorations and Medals: Medal of honor, Marine Corps Brevet, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Serice Medal with oak leaf cluster, Mexican Boarder, Victory with three gold stars, Army of Occupation of Germany, American Defense Service with a gold star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, WWII victory, Order of White Lion, Unknown Ribbons (solid green with a red rosette), Unknown Ribbon (light blue with dark blue bands at ends), Unknown Ribbon (large red block in center with two small blue and white bands on either side), Unknown Ribbon (solid red with gold device in center). Wainwright wears a Distinguished Unit Badge Army with two silver devices above his right breast pocket and a War Department General Staff Identification pin on his right breast pocket, and officer pins on his lapels. He also wears a service cap with ornamentation and U.S. insignia. A blue/green background is above his left shoulder. Wainwright's 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.47009
catalog number
47009
accession number
166217

Lucian King Truscott, Jr.

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Lucian King Truscott.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General Lucian King Truscott. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, WWI Victory, American Defense Service, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with two silver stars, and WWII Victory. Truscott wears a service jacket with a 5th Army-2d Design insignia on the shoulder of his upepr left arm sleeve, eight overseas service bars on his lower left arm sleeve, and officer pins on his lapels. He is holding a burning cigarette in his left hand and is in front of a light brown background. Truscott is clean shaven and has grey hair. His signature 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.47008
catalog number
47008
accession number
166217

Brevettata F.N.A-B Model 1943 Submachinegun

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1944
maker
Fabbrica Nazionale d'Armi Brescia
ID Number
AF.58359M
catalog number
58359M
accession number
210853
serial number
5372

"Wings Over America" Poster

Physical DescriptionFour-color print on paper.General HistoryPosters 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.
Description
Physical Description
Four-color print on paper.
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
1939
associated date
1941 - 1945
ID Number
AF.70501MA
catalog number
70501MA
accession number
163798

Thomas J. Kelly

Oil on thick pressboard. Portrait of Sergeant Thomas J. Kelly. Kelly wears a Medical Department noncomissioned officers pin with a silver Geneva cross (possibly a hospital stewards insignia) above his left breast pocket.
Description
Oil on thick pressboard. Portrait of Sergeant Thomas J. Kelly. Kelly wears a Medical Department noncomissioned officers pin with a silver Geneva cross (possibly a hospital stewards insignia) above his left breast pocket. He wears a 7th Armored Division insignia patch and the chevrons of a Sergeant 4th Grade on his upper left arm sleeve. Kelly wears a overseas cap and rests his right arm on a medic M1 helmet that sits on his right knee.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47011
catalog number
47011
accession number
166217

Douglas MacArthur

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of five star General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur wears a long sleeved khaki field uniform with a five star General pin on his collar. He also wears a peaked cap with ornamintation.Currently not on view
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of five star General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur wears a long sleeved khaki field uniform with a five star General pin on his collar. He also wears a peaked cap with ornamintation.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
depicted (sitter)
MacArthur, Douglas
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.46979
catalog number
46979
accession number
166217

Alan P. Tappan

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Colonel Allan P. Tappan. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, WWII Victory, Mexican Boarder Service, Victory, and European-African Middle Eastern Campaign.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Colonel Allan P. Tappan. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, WWII Victory, Mexican Boarder Service, Victory, and European-African Middle Eastern Campaign. Tappan wears a khaki service coat with officer and Air Corps pins on his lapels, a insignia of a Colonel on his shoulder loops, a US AAF patch insignia on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve, and a pilot aviation badge above his service ribbons and left breast pocket. Tappan has blonde hair, brown eyes, and is clean shaven. His signature in pencil is at the bottom of 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.47006
catalog number
47006
accession number
166217

5th Marine Division

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2008.0155.11
accession number
2008.0155
catalog number
2008.0155.11

Willard S. Paul

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Willard S. Paul. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star, and Legion of Merit.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Willard S. Paul. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star, and Legion of Merit. Paul wears the 26th Infantry Division patch insignia on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve, a overseas cap with two silver stars (indicating his rank), and officer pins on his lapels. He wears a gold watch on his left wrist and a gold ring on the ring finger of his right hand. Paul is sitting in a chair with his hands folded. A green background is painted behind his chair.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1941 - 1945
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.47000
catalog number
47000
accession number
166217

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