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: World War I Art

Dugouts of the 5th Marines

Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25765
catalog number
25765
accession number
64592

A Street Corner at Badonviller

Pencil and watercolor on paper. The work depicts a street corner at Badonviller, France during World War I. A large pile of bundled supplies sits in front of a building with a sign reading "Cafe Des Halles."Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor on paper. The work depicts a street corner at Badonviller, France during World War I. A large pile of bundled supplies sits in front of a building with a sign reading "Cafe Des Halles."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25940
catalog number
25940
accession number
64592

Out from Battle

Charcoal sketch, with some color, on card. The drawing depicts two soldiers carrying a wounded man on a stretcher; other wounded soldiers follow them. Barbed wire entanglement on right. There appears to be smoke on the horizon.
Description
Charcoal sketch, with some color, on card. The drawing depicts two soldiers carrying a wounded man on a stretcher; other wounded soldiers follow them. Barbed wire entanglement on right. There appears to be smoke on the horizon. Something indistinct sits in the sky on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25777
catalog number
25777
accession number
64592

American Artillery and Machine Guns

Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. A line of American soldiers and horses pulling artillery pass through a shell-torn town. The background is comprised of badly damaged buildings. In the foreground are parts of broken equipment and vehicles.Currently not on view
Description
Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. A line of American soldiers and horses pulling artillery pass through a shell-torn town. The background is comprised of badly damaged buildings. In the foreground are parts of broken equipment and vehicles.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
1918-07-24
associated date
1917-1918
previous owner
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25728
catalog number
25728
accession number
64592

Field Encampment near Dun-sur-Meuse

Ink and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts a field encampment near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, after the Armistice of World War I. A road cuts through a field where there are a large number of tents pitched.
Description
Ink and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts a field encampment near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, after the Armistice of World War I. A road cuts through a field where there are a large number of tents pitched. Several graves marked by crosses line one side of the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25926
catalog number
25926
accession number
64592

American Wounded

Charcoal and pastel (or possibly color crayon) sketch on white paper. Three wounded American soldiers (in black and white) walking in front of a shell-torn church. The soldier to the left is carrying one end of a stretcher that is mostly out of the picture.
Description
Charcoal and pastel (or possibly color crayon) sketch on white paper. Three wounded American soldiers (in black and white) walking in front of a shell-torn church. The soldier to the left is carrying one end of a stretcher that is mostly out of the picture. To the right is a French soldier, with his back to the viewer, in the small church graveyard. Smoke rises from the ruins of the church.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25735
catalog number
25735
accession number
64592

American Ration Train Headquarters

Charcoal, crayon, and pastel sketch on heavy cream wove paper. A large farm building, with a breezeway in the center, dominates the sketch. In the left foreground are two horses and a soldier, while on the right, an American soldier stands next to a wagon.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, and pastel sketch on heavy cream wove paper. A large farm building, with a breezeway in the center, dominates the sketch. In the left foreground are two horses and a soldier, while on the right, an American soldier stands next to a wagon. A mounted French soldier can be seen through the building's breezeway.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-18
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25733
catalog number
25733
accession number
64592

A Billet at Peronne

A watercolor and pencil sketch on paper of a billet at Peronne, France. The sketch depicts buildings in disrepair with several soldiers standing in the street. A stack of timber sits in front of the buildings.Currently not on view
Description
A watercolor and pencil sketch on paper of a billet at Peronne, France. The sketch depicts buildings in disrepair with several soldiers standing in the street. A stack of timber sits in front of the buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25901
catalog number
25901
accession number
64592

Billeting Village Near Neufchateau, Farm Building

Charcoal, watercolor, and gouache on heavy white card paper. The work depicts a set of buildings on a farm near Neufchâteau, France. The farm buildings are detailed with their bricks, roofs, and chimneys. There is an outline of a road.
Description
Charcoal, watercolor, and gouache on heavy white card paper. The work depicts a set of buildings on a farm near Neufchâteau, France. The farm buildings are detailed with their bricks, roofs, and chimneys. There is an outline of a road. A building is in the immediate foreground on the left although the entire building is not shown. The sky is partially blue, and there are some trees in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25647
catalog number
25647
accession number
64592

American Artillery Relieved at Deumx After Days of Hard Fighting

Charcoal sketch on illustration board. The work depicts the exhausted members of an artillery unit moving away from the line at Deumx, France. A line of soldiers, horses, wagons, and artillery pieces are moving through a forest.
Description
Charcoal sketch on illustration board. The work depicts the exhausted members of an artillery unit moving away from the line at Deumx, France. A line of soldiers, horses, wagons, and artillery pieces are moving through a forest. Many of the soldiers, whether riding on horses, vehicles, or walking, are slouched and stooped.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
depicted
1918-07-19
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25758
catalog number
25758
accession number
64592

Troops Waiting to Advance at Hattonchâtel - St. Mihiel Drive

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on paper. The work depicts a group of American soldiers waiting to advance in Hattonchâtel, France. The soldiers appear at rest--sitting and talking with one another.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on paper. The work depicts a group of American soldiers waiting to advance in Hattonchâtel, France. The soldiers appear at rest--sitting and talking with one another.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25676
catalog number
25676
accession number
64592

German Artillery Position Near Essey - St. Mihiel Sector

A pencil sketch on paper. This captured German artillery position near Essey is in the St. Mihiel Sector in France. The scene depicts a dugout covered with wood and leaves on top of a hill. This position would have provided optimal cover and range for artillery strikes.
Description
A pencil sketch on paper. This captured German artillery position near Essey is in the St. Mihiel Sector in France. The scene depicts a dugout covered with wood and leaves on top of a hill. This position would have provided optimal cover and range for artillery strikes. An American soldier sits on the ground in the right foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25992
catalog number
25992
accession number
64592

The Army Cook, Reherrey

Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier cooking on a moveable range in the archway of a building. Another soldier stands in the shadows of the archway.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier cooking on a moveable range in the archway of a building. Another soldier stands in the shadows of the archway.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26034
catalog number
26034
accession number
64592

First Americans Crossing the Rhine

Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts American troops crossing a bridge over the Rhine in the city of Koblenz, Germany. The bridge, made of planks laid over a series of boats, cuts vertically through the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts American troops crossing a bridge over the Rhine in the city of Koblenz, Germany. The bridge, made of planks laid over a series of boats, cuts vertically through 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.25826
catalog number
25826
accession number
64592

The Plains of Is-sur-Tille

Charcoal sketch, with touches of watercolor, on paper. This landscape shows a flat expanse with a river in the background. At the left are men working, a locomotive, and a structure with a smokestack and another tall projectile.
Description
Charcoal sketch, with touches of watercolor, on paper. This landscape shows a flat expanse with a river in the background. At the left are men working, a locomotive, and a structure with a smokestack and another tall projectile. On the opposite side of the river, across the bridge, these same structures are repeated. In the foreground are several large, uncut lumber logs with men in between them. The catalog card for this drawing indicates that the men are troops engaged in erecting buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-12
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26070
catalog number
26070
accession number
64592

At Brieulles-sur-Meuse, Argonne Sector

Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts shell-torn buildings at Brieulles-sur-Meuse in the Argonne sector of France during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts shell-torn buildings at Brieulles-sur-Meuse in the Argonne sector of France during World War I. The building in the right foreground is severely damaged at one end, with roof beams and interior rooms visible through the debris. Two soldiers are standing next to the damaged area. The building in the background has less extensive damage, but makeshift stairs have been built to enter the building at its first and second floors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25932
catalog number
25932
accession number
64592

After the Bombardment -- Badon Viller

Charcoal sketch depicting the after-effects of the bombardment of Badonviller. An empty street, filled with rubble, is bordered by shell-torn buildings. The sketch is on white paper, which is affixed to a larger piece of heavy white cardboard.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch depicting the after-effects of the bombardment of Badonviller. An empty street, filled with rubble, is bordered by shell-torn buildings. The sketch is on white paper, which is affixed to a larger piece of heavy white cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25801
catalog number
25801
accession number
64592

American Soldiers

Very light ink wash and brush with touches of graphite. This interior scene is framed by the sloping roof of a loft. In the left foreground, a soldier sits on a cot holding his gun. A sword hangs on the wall in the right of the sketch.
Description
Very light ink wash and brush with touches of graphite. This interior scene is framed by the sloping roof of a loft. In the left foreground, a soldier sits on a cot holding his gun. A sword hangs on the wall in the right of the sketch. Two more soldiers can be seen through a doorway on the back wall of the loft. The sketch is done on beige wove paper mounted on beige card which is ruled in graphite. A label below the sketch, mounted on the card, reads: "AMERICAN SOLDIERS/Quartered in the loft of an old barn on the/outskirts of Chateau Thierry/BY W. J. DUNCAN/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2847"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25689
catalog number
25689
accession number
64592

Courtyard of Ruined Chateau in Toul

Charcoal, ink wash, and white crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts the courtyard of a large chateau in Toul France. One of the walls of the chateau is badly damaged. Several soldiers, equipment, and trucks are in the courtyard.
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and white crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts the courtyard of a large chateau in Toul France. One of the walls of the chateau is badly damaged. Several soldiers, equipment, and trucks are in the courtyard. A label attached to the mount, underneath the sketch, reads: "COURTYARD OF RUINED CHATEAU IN THE TOUL SECTOR NOW USED AS/REPAIR WORKS FOR AUTOS AND TRUCKS./PEIXOTTO 173."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25821
catalog number
25821
accession number
64592

What Remains of Vaux, 1918

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts ruined buildings along a road in Vaux, France during World War I. Shell-torn buildings and debris line both sides of the road, with a few people and a vehicle in the road in the distance.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts ruined buildings along a road in Vaux, France during World War I. Shell-torn buildings and debris line both sides of the road, with a few people and a vehicle in the road in the distance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25899
catalog number
25899
accession number
64592

On the Trail of the Hun - St. Mihiel Drive

Watercolor and gouache drawing on paper. The work depicts an army on the march. The foreground features wagons ascending a hill; American soldiers ride in and walk along side the wagons. Half of the sky is covered by dark clouds.
Description
Watercolor and gouache drawing on paper. The work depicts an army on the march. The foreground features wagons ascending a hill; American soldiers ride in and walk along side the wagons. Half of the sky is covered by dark clouds. In the background on the left side are tents, while in the right background are the buildings of what appears to be a small town. Several airplanes are in the sky.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25662
catalog number
25662
accession number
64592

A Barrack Street at Is-sur-Tille

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts barracks at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I. Two rows of single-story pitch-roofed barrack buildings line the sides of a dirt street with telephone or telegraph wires overhead.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts barracks at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I. Two rows of single-story pitch-roofed barrack buildings line the sides of a dirt street with telephone or telegraph wires overhead.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25918
catalog number
25918
accession number
64592

Behind Montmirail, American Division

Crayon, pastel, and charcoal on white paper. The work depicts a group of troops and wagons moving across a bridge near Montmirail, France.A large tree borders the road, where American and French soldiers ride horses or horse-drawn wagons.Currently not on view
Description
Crayon, pastel, and charcoal on white paper. The work depicts a group of troops and wagons moving across a bridge near Montmirail, France.
A large tree borders the road, where American and French soldiers ride horses or horse-drawn wagons.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25736
catalog number
25736
accession number
64592

Boche Snipers Hidden in Shell Potted Ruins

Charcoal and crayon sketch, with touches of graphite, on heavy cream wove paper. Two German soldiers peer out of the window of a shell-torn building. One soldier has a rifle pointed out of the window, through the slats of the shutters.
Description
Charcoal and crayon sketch, with touches of graphite, on heavy cream wove paper. Two German soldiers peer out of the window of a shell-torn building. One soldier has a rifle pointed out of the window, through the slats of the shutters. A sign stenciled on the wall below the window has been partially erased; it reads "NACH FIS..." and has an arrow, pointing right, beneath it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25739
catalog number
25739
accession number
64592

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