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: Official Art from the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I

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 Hurry Call, Night of May 30, 1918, in the Toul Sector

Charcoal on white paper of two Army ambulances responding to a "hurry call" or emergency summons on the night of May 30, 1918, in the Toul Sector of France. The ambulances (possibly Ford Model T's) have large medical crosses on the side.
Description
Charcoal on white paper of two Army ambulances responding to a "hurry call" or emergency summons on the night of May 30, 1918, in the Toul Sector of France. The ambulances (possibly Ford Model T's) have large medical crosses on the side. American soldiers in uniform march along the road to the right of the ambulances. On the left side of the road, wounded soldiers walk in the opposite direction of the ambulances.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
1918-05
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26125
catalog number
26125
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

Prisoners and Wounded

Charcoal, watercolor, and pastel painting on beige paper of German prisoners and wounded American soldiers. Depicted at center are five German soldier prisoners in blue and black uniforms with red trim.
Description
Charcoal, watercolor, and pastel painting on beige paper of German prisoners and wounded American soldiers. Depicted at center are five German soldier prisoners in blue and black uniforms with red trim. They are supporting a stretcher on their shoulders which is carrying a wounded American soldier covered in a blanket. To the left of the Germans are two severely wounded American soldiers, one with a bandaged and bloody arm who is supporting the second soldier with his arm around his shoulder. To the right of the Germans is another wounded American soldier with bloody bandages wrapped around his shoulder and his arm in a sling. Behind these soldiers are rows of other American soldiers in uniform, with helmets and rifles with bayonets, and one German prisoner wearing an officer uniform. Portions of barbed wire can be seen in the background at left. The soldiers appear to be marching down a road. Signed at bottom left by the artist, "Harvey Dunn, AEF, Oct. 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25726B
accession number
64592
catalog number
25726B

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

A Street in Baccarat

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of Baccarat, France during World War I. Shell-damaged buildings make up this street scene.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of Baccarat, France during World War I. Shell-damaged buildings make up this street scene.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25945
catalog number
25945
accession number
64592

Dispatch Motor Cycle

Charcoal and crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts a dispatch carrier on a motor cycle near a fortified hill. The hill, with structures on the side (possibly dugouts) dominates the background of the work. On the left are several soldiers pushing a piece of heavy artillery.
Description
Charcoal and crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts a dispatch carrier on a motor cycle near a fortified hill. The hill, with structures on the side (possibly dugouts) dominates the background of the work. On the left are several soldiers pushing a piece of heavy artillery. A low building is visible behind the dispatch carrier.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25741
catalog number
25741
accession number
64592

The Crossroads, Apremont

Charcoal sketch on paper. The drawing shows three ruined structures at a crossroads in the town of Apremont, France. Debris fills the road.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The drawing shows three ruined structures at a crossroads in the town of Apremont, France. Debris fills the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25873
catalog number
25873
accession number
64592

A Street in Lucy-le-Bocage

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts damaged buildings on a street in the village of Lucy-le-Bocage, France during World War I. Several men and carts are at the far end of the road.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts damaged buildings on a street in the village of Lucy-le-Bocage, France during World War I. Several men and carts are at the far end of the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25922
catalog number
25922
accession number
64592

The Road through Fossoy. (On the German line of Retreat)

Gouache, ink wash, and graphite. The work depicts a shell-torn building near Fossoy, France. One side of the building has been completely destroyed.Currently not on view
Description
Gouache, ink wash, and graphite. The work depicts a shell-torn building near Fossoy, France. One side of the building has been completely destroyed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-26
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25675
catalog number
25675
accession number
64592

Great Shell Hole Near Cierges

Pencil sketch on paper. This landscape depicts a shell-torn area with damaged buildings and a large shell hole in the foreground. The crater is partially filled with water. Two soldiers stand on the far edge of the crater, looking down at the water.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil sketch on paper. This landscape depicts a shell-torn area with damaged buildings and a large shell hole in the foreground. The crater is partially filled with water. Two soldiers stand on the far edge of the crater, looking down at the water.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25835
catalog number
25835
accession number
64592

Band Concert at Neufchateau

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. A large group of people, many of whom are soldiers, are gathered around a statue of Joan of Arc in the town of Neufchateau, France.
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. A large group of people, many of whom are soldiers, are gathered around a statue of Joan of Arc in the town of Neufchateau, France. The two people closest to the viewer appear to be an American soldier (in brown) and a French soldier (in blue). The band mentioned in the title of the work is obscured by the crowd.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25956
catalog number
25956
accession number
64592

Tanks Attacking Early September 26th Between Avocourt and Montfaucon

Charcoal and pastel drawing on heavy beige textured laid paper. The subject of the drawing is a tank attack during World War I. In the foreground is a tank, most likely a Renault FT; in front of the tank are barbed-wire entanglements.
Description
Charcoal and pastel drawing on heavy beige textured laid paper. The subject of the drawing is a tank attack during World War I. In the foreground is a tank, most likely a Renault FT; in front of the tank are barbed-wire entanglements. Three more tanks are visible in the background. A man walks along the road. Smoke rises on the horizon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
referenced
1918-09-26
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25749
catalog number
25749
accession number
64592

His Bunkie

Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave.
Description
Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave. Beside the cross are a helmet and what looks like a metal canister.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25661
catalog number
25661
accession number
64592

Refugees from Chateau Thierry Section

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Depicted are war refugees from Chateau Thierry, France, entering a town carrying their belongings while American soldiers exit the town as part of an artillery convoy.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Depicted are war refugees from Chateau Thierry, France, entering a town carrying their belongings while American soldiers exit the town as part of an artillery convoy. At left, a woman leads a horse and oxen pulling a carriage stocked with household items and animals. A second woman rides the horse. A few civilian men follow behind them. At right, American soldiers ride horses and carriages away from the town, followed by carts filled with supplies and a large field gun. Trees line the road to the right and houses line the road at left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26118
catalog number
26118
accession number
64592

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