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.

Place: France

Camouflaging a Light Tank Under Observation in the Field

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Three American soldiers cover a tank with large camouflage netting surrounded by bushes to their right and left.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Three American soldiers cover a tank with large camouflage netting surrounded by bushes to their right and 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.26103
catalog number
26103
accession number
64592

German Shelters on the Slope of Hill 204

A pencil sketch on paper of German dugouts on the slope of Hill 204 located near Chateau-Thierry, France. This hill was the scene of fighting between Allied (French and American) and German soldiers during July of 1918. The Allies prevailed.
Description
A pencil sketch on paper of German dugouts on the slope of Hill 204 located near Chateau-Thierry, France. This hill was the scene of fighting between Allied (French and American) and German soldiers during July of 1918. The Allies prevailed. The scene is in a forest where the Germans took shelter in dugouts on the slope of the hill. Abandoned supplies litter the ground around the dugouts; these include Stielhandgranates (stick grenades). American soldiers stand on the top part of the sketch in a clearing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25988
catalog number
25988
accession number
64592

German Outpost, Montfaucon

Charcoal sketch on light green paper. The sketch shows a German outpost at Montfaucon, France during World War I. The outpost consists of a large trench with walls reinforced by wooden posts.
Description
Charcoal sketch on light green paper. The sketch shows a German outpost at Montfaucon, France during World War I. The outpost consists of a large trench with walls reinforced by wooden posts. The upper left corner of an entryway, perhaps to an underground shelter, is just visible in the trench. Glued to the card underneath the sketch is a label that reads "GERMAN OUTPOST, MONFAUCON/Looking toward Hill 204/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2990."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25832
catalog number
25832
accession number
64592

The Paint Shop

Ink wash sketch on paper. Interior scene of a building with exposed rafters; barrels grouped and stacked in various places. Women working on the left. A soldier stands among some barrels on the right.
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper. Interior scene of a building with exposed rafters; barrels grouped and stacked in various places. Women working on the left. A soldier stands among some barrels on the right. The catalog card reads "Sketch showing the paint shop in the central American camouflage depot at Dijon."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25883
catalog number
25883
accession number
64592

Double Escape

Oil painting on canvas shows an American balloon flying over a small village. Two airplanes, one American and one German, are engaged in combat around the balloon. The American plane has red, blue, and white roundels on its wings.
Description
Oil painting on canvas shows an American balloon flying over a small village. Two airplanes, one American and one German, are engaged in combat around the balloon. The American plane has red, blue, and white roundels on its wings. The German plane, with German insignia on the wings, has been shot and is plummeting to the ground. The plane is in pieces and smoke and flames rise into the air.
The slow-moving observation balloons were easy prey for enemy fighter planes and had to be protected by allied planes. If a balloon was hit in battle, the gas in the balloon would catch fire and the balloon pilot would be forced to jump out of the balloon with his parachute. The descending pilot would then have to avoid two dangers: being hit by the burning balloon as it fell to the ground, or being hit by enemy fire from the enemy airplane. Thus, by shooting down the German plane before it could hit the balloon, the American plane gave the balloon pilot a "double escape."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26130
catalog number
26130
accession number
64592

Trench Periscope

Periscope for use in trench warfare, World War I. Wood and metal perioscope painted olive drab on the exterior and black on interior. Wood and metal shutter at bottom front of periscope slides up to reveal viewfinder.
Description
Periscope for use in trench warfare, World War I. Wood and metal perioscope painted olive drab on the exterior and black on interior. Wood and metal shutter at bottom front of periscope slides up to reveal viewfinder. Corresponding mirror at top back of periscope reflects the scene down to the viewfinder, enabling the user to see up and over the trench from within the cover of the trench. Two hinged wooden flaps open at the top front and bottom back of the periscope to expose the interior mirrors for cleaning and repair. The periscope folds in half for storage. Manufacturer's label on shutter reads, "PERISCOPE No. 9 Mark 11 / (22 1/2 inches between Mirrors) / Adams & Co. / 1917. / When observing with a Binocular, rest it on / the Glass Screen. When observing without / a Binocular, lower the shutter until the eyes / are protected by it and the Glass Screen." Used during WWI and convoyed from the Base Ordnance Depot #1 at St. Nazaire, France, by Sergeant George C. Van Etton, who was relieved of the responsibility at the Army Supply Base, Norfolk, VA. Shipping ticket number 1514. Transferred from the War Department.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
maker
Adams & Company
ID Number
AF.24063
catalog number
24063
accession number
64099

Verdun, from the River

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26085
catalog number
26085
accession number
64592

Untitled

Pencil with ink wash sketch on paper of a landscape of a town along the banks of a river. At center on the far bank is a large building, possibly a cathedral or castle, which has apparently been damaged by shell fire.
Description
Pencil with ink wash sketch on paper of a landscape of a town along the banks of a river. At center on the far bank is a large building, possibly a cathedral or castle, which has apparently been damaged by shell fire. To the right of this along the river are several other tall buildings, some with spires and towers. Below the town is a river wall and below that is a set of stairs leading to a walking path along the river. Indistinct figures can be seen along the river's edge. Signed at bottom left by the artist, "Peixotto, 1918".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25865
catalog number
25865
accession number
64592

"Lame Ducks," Issoudun

Pencil sketch on paper. The sketch depicts part of an airfield in Issoudun, France. There are disassembled planes in the foreground and several more aircraft in a large hangar. Aviators and mechanics walk around the air field. The Third Aviation Instruction Center, the U.S.
Description
Pencil sketch on paper. The sketch depicts part of an airfield in Issoudun, France. There are disassembled planes in the foreground and several more aircraft in a large hangar. Aviators and mechanics walk around the air field. The Third Aviation Instruction Center, the U.S. Air Service's largest training base in Europe during World War I, was located at Issoudun.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26009
catalog number
26009
accession number
64592

Cleaning Out Boche Machine Gun Nest

Crayon and charcoal on paper. The work depicts a tank overrunning a German machine gun emplacement. There are American soldiers behind the tank. In the foreground, two German soldiers, with multi-colored camouflaged helmets, man their machine gun.
Description
Crayon and charcoal on paper. The work depicts a tank overrunning a German machine gun emplacement. There are American soldiers behind the tank. In the foreground, two German soldiers, with multi-colored camouflaged helmets, man their machine gun. The German soldier on the right holds a rifle. A barbed-wire entanglement is visible on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-12
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25740
catalog number
25740
accession number
64592

Sketch Near Essey

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of an overturned wagon and dead horse near Essey, France, on September 13, 1918. The overturned caisson (wagon designed to carry ammunition) lies at the opening of a barbed wire fence at center.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of an overturned wagon and dead horse near Essey, France, on September 13, 1918. The overturned caisson (wagon designed to carry ammunition) lies at the opening of a barbed wire fence at center. A dead horse can be seen to the right of the caisson and its blood is seen trickling down the hill. A tree is seen in the upper left part of the sketch. The sketch is roughly done and only red, blue and brown are used as colors. Written at bottom left in pencil by the artist is "Sept 13. Sketch near Essey (German guns and casion [sic])"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-13
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67521M
catalog number
67521M
accession number
229290

Cocktail napkin with British Empire flag

Cocktail napkin with British Empire flag motif (red cross with white background superimposed on white x-shaped cross with blue background). Green embroidery around edges. Made by French peasant women in French Lorraine during World War I.
Description
Cocktail napkin with British Empire flag motif (red cross with white background superimposed on white x-shaped cross with blue background). Green embroidery around edges. Made by French peasant women in French Lorraine during World War I. Sold in America through the Society for Employment of Women in France.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1914-1918
ID Number
2011.0086.06
catalog number
2011.0086.06
accession number
2011.0086

Chateau Thierry and the Valley

Pencil sketch (with other media) of the Valley of the Marne. Hills and Chateau Thierry in the background. Shell torn trees and building in foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil sketch (with other media) of the Valley of the Marne. Hills and Chateau Thierry in the background. Shell torn trees and building in foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25818
catalog number
25818
accession number
64592

At the Camouflage Factory in Dijon

A pastel, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on brown paper of a camouflage factory in Dijon, France. An open air building, several women are working on machines sewing cloth in front of a tall stack of brown material rolls. Wooden columns and beams on the roof can be seen.
Description
A pastel, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on brown paper of a camouflage factory in Dijon, France. An open air building, several women are working on machines sewing cloth in front of a tall stack of brown material rolls. Wooden columns and beams on the roof can be seen. A large brown tarp covers part of the right part and two women are working on a net below the tarp. Cloth in different colors are found on the left. Several buildings can be seen in the distance in the right as well as several people.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25912
catalog number
25912
accession number
64592

Sept. 26, The Argonne

A charcoal and watercolor drawing on paper of a machine gun encampment formerly occupied by the Germans and now taken over by the Americans. At center are three dead German soldiers in forest green uniforms lying on the ground in front of a small doorway.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor drawing on paper of a machine gun encampment formerly occupied by the Germans and now taken over by the Americans. At center are three dead German soldiers in forest green uniforms lying on the ground in front of a small doorway. A machine gun (MG 08/15) is lying on top of one of the Germans. In the background at right, several American soldiers wearing olive drab uniforms are coming through a trench headed towards the encampment. Scattered throughout the encampment are discarded pieces of German military equipment. At left is a box of stick grenades (Model 24 Stielhandgranate). Below that is a shovel and a rifle (possibly a Gewehr 98). At bottom center is a helmet and a German officer's hat. At bottom right is an ammunition belt for a machine gun along with a knife that was probably a bayonet (Seitengewehr). Written in pencil at bottom left by the artist is: "Study - Sept 26 (The Argonne)"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67525m
accession number
229290
catalog number
67525M

Relief Entering Nesle. (Detachment Fourth Infantry, U.S.A.)

Charcoal, crayon, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts American infantry soldiers entering the town of Nesle, France. The men march with their gear, while a soldier in the foreground looks on, with his back to the viewer.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts American infantry soldiers entering the town of Nesle, France. The men march with their gear, while a soldier in the foreground looks on, with his back to the viewer. The town's buildings are damaged from shelling. There is rubble in the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25663
catalog number
25663
accession number
64592

Chaumont American Headquarters

Mixed media drawing on paper. The focal point of this view of Chaumont, France is the castle of the Counts of Champagne, which looms over the town in the drawing. Chaumont was the location of the American Expeditionary Force's Headquarters during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media drawing on paper. The focal point of this view of Chaumont, France is the castle of the Counts of Champagne, which looms over the town in the drawing. Chaumont was the location of the American Expeditionary Force's Headquarters during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25970
catalog number
25970
accession number
64592

The Homecoming

Charcoal, oil, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a French soldier returning to his war-torn home.
Description
Charcoal, oil, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a French soldier returning to his war-torn home. The scene shows a French solider dressed in a blue uniform with a blue steel helmet leaning on his rifle (probably a Berthier Model 1916 Infantry Rifle or a Lebel Model 1886) with bayonet attached. An American soldier in uniform is standing behind the French soldier. The men are standing in the doorway of the French soldier's house which has recently been occupied by the retreating German Army. The house is in ruins with vases, chairs, a clock, and other objects scattered on the floor. One door has been partially shattered and the other has been torn from its hinges and is propped against the wall. Signed at the bottom left by the artist, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25721
catalog number
25721
accession number
64592

Charles P. Summeral

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Charles P. Summerall. Summerall possibly wears the Legion of Merit around his neck and officer pins on his collar.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Charles P. Summerall. Summerall possibly wears the Legion of Merit around his neck and officer pins on his collar. The Medal is on a wreath of green laurel joined at the bottom by a gold bow-knot (rosette), a five-pointed white star bordered crimson, points reversed with v-shaped extremities tipped with a gold ball. In the center is a gold circle. Summerall is clean shaven and has grey hair. His signature is at the bottom center of the portrait in red crayon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
Associated Date
1919
depicted (sitter)
Summerall, Charles P.
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.37724
catalog number
37724
accession number
117218

Ciels-Maison, Near Chateau Thierry

Charcoal sketch on paper. Three army supply trucks pass through a French village. There is a large house in the background. To the left, a group of people are sitting in front of houses and there are some children playing.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. Three army supply trucks pass through a French village. There is a large house in the background. To the left, a group of people are sitting in front of houses and there are some children playing. They watch the trucks as they drive past.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26104
catalog number
26104
accession number
64592

Drawstring bag

Small drawstring knitting bag with white bird in blue background. Lace-like edging. Made by French peasant women in French Lorraine during World War I. Sold in America through the Society for Employment of Women in France.Currently not on view
Description
Small drawstring knitting bag with white bird in blue background. Lace-like edging. Made by French peasant women in French Lorraine during World War I. Sold in America through the Society for Employment of Women in France.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1914-1918
ID Number
2011.0086.14
catalog number
2011.0086.14
accession number
2011.0086

Tressing Nets for Artillery Emplacements

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. A group of women, some standing on benches, are making camouflage nets at the Central Camouflage Depot in Dijon, France.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. A group of women, some standing on benches, are making camouflage nets at the Central Camouflage Depot in Dijon, France. These nets were made of pieces of painted burlap tied to wire and were used to disguise artillery positions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25893
catalog number
25893
accession number
64592

Allied tablecloth

WWI French stitchery: tablecloth for a tea table with a brown and silver eagle in each corner. Each eagle holds the same 8 flags of Allied nations, 4 on each side. The flags on the left side are (top to bottom): Britain, Russia, Belgium, and Serbia.
Description
WWI French stitchery: tablecloth for a tea table with a brown and silver eagle in each corner. Each eagle holds the same 8 flags of Allied nations, 4 on each side. The flags on the left side are (top to bottom): Britain, Russia, Belgium, and Serbia. The flags on the right side are (top to bottom): France, Italy, Japan, and Romania. Each eagle holds an American shield emblem in its claws. Light green and brown embroidery resembling vines and wreathes border the tablecloth 4 inches from the edge. Light green zig-zag stitches along the tablecloth's edge. Made by French peasant women in French Lorraine. Sold in America through the Society for Employment of Women in France.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1914-1918
ID Number
2011.0086.19
catalog number
2011.0086.19
accession number
2011.0086

R. L. Bullard

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General R. L. Bullard. Bullard wears a 2nd Army-Summer patch on his shoulder of his left arm sleeve. He also wears a Sam Browne belt and a officer pin on his collar. Catalogue card reads: "Painted in France by Jos. C. Chase.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of three star General R. L. Bullard. Bullard wears a 2nd Army-Summer patch on his shoulder of his left arm sleeve. He also wears a Sam Browne belt and a officer pin on his collar. Catalogue card reads: "Painted in France by Jos. C. Chase. Presented in 1922-31."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.37691
catalog number
37691
accession number
117218

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.