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: 1910s

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 Air Raid

Charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a German air raid over a city. Depicted is a gray German biplane with two black and white greek crosses on the wings and a rudder painted red, white, and black.
Description
Charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a German air raid over a city. Depicted is a gray German biplane with two black and white greek crosses on the wings and a rudder painted red, white, and black. The plane is flying over a city filled with buildings that are white with red roofs. Directly below the plane is what appears to be a village square with a round fountain filled with blue water. Signed at 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.25715
catalog number
25715
accession number
64592

U.S. Army First Aid Packet

U.S. Army First Aid Packet for use during World War I. Brown olive drab painted metal case with "FIRST AID PACKET - U.S. ARMY / CONTRACT NOV. 2 - 1916 / BAUER & BLACK / CHICAGO, U.S.A. / TO OPEN PULL RING / PATENT APPLIED FOR" stamped on top.
Description
U.S. Army First Aid Packet for use during World War I. Brown olive drab painted metal case with "FIRST AID PACKET - U.S. ARMY / CONTRACT NOV. 2 - 1916 / BAUER & BLACK / CHICAGO, U.S.A. / TO OPEN PULL RING / PATENT APPLIED FOR" stamped on top. Ring pull tab on bottom to open packet.
date made
1916
associated date
1917 - 1918
maker
Bauer & Black
ID Number
AF.76297M
catalog number
76297M
accession number
301948

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

Edward McGlachlin

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Edward McGlachlin. Army Service Ribbon for Decorations and Medals include the Sampson Medal. McClachlin wears a officer's pin on his collar and a 1st Infantry Division insignia patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Edward McGlachlin. Army Service Ribbon for Decorations and Medals include the Sampson Medal. McClachlin wears a officer's pin on his collar and a 1st Infantry Division insignia patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve. He also wears a Sam Browne belt.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58100M
catalog number
58100M
accession number
203612

Navy Nurse Corps Indoor Uniform

Navy Nurse Corps cape worn as part of the indoor uniform during World War I. Navy blue wool cape with red lining. Button closure at front with several buttons lining the top and bottom of each arm hole. Two pockets with button closure at front.
Description
Navy Nurse Corps cape worn as part of the indoor uniform during World War I. Navy blue wool cape with red lining. Button closure at front with several buttons lining the top and bottom of each arm hole. Two pockets with button closure at front. Blue wool belt with button attachments at waist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1917
associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
1998.0165.83.01
accession number
1998.0165
catalog number
1998.0165.83.01

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

Seicheprey

Oil on canvas. Painting of damaged buildings. Large severly damged buildings in background. A building, possibly a church, has part of its tower remaining in left background. A building with a open doorway and no roof in right background.
Description
Oil on canvas. Painting of damaged buildings. Large severly damged buildings in background. A building, possibly a church, has part of its tower remaining in left background. A building with a open doorway and no roof in right background. Three soldiers rest near the open door way. A soldier, facing away from the viewer, is carrying a gun on his back in left foreground. Catalogue card reads "Seicheprey. In the front lines where the first gas attack was launched against men of the 26th Division in the spring of 1918."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.35932
catalog number
35932
accession number
104470

Tea napkin with Kingdom of Serbia coat of arms

WWI French stitchery: tea napkin with Kingdom of Serbia royal coat of arms motif (red and silver shield at center with gold crown on top of the shield; red, gold, and black embroidery surrounding the shield with a second gold crown at very top). Green embroidery around edges.
Description
WWI French stitchery: tea napkin with Kingdom of Serbia royal coat of arms motif (red and silver shield at center with gold crown on top of the shield; red, gold, and black embroidery surrounding the shield with a second gold crown at very top). Green embroidery around edges. Pictured at bottom right of photo. 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
2011.0086.07
catalog number
2011.0086.07
accession number
2011.0086

coat

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1900 - 1910
user
Post, Charles Johnson
ID Number
1980.0022.41
catalog number
1980.0022.41
accession number
1980.0022

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

The Trail to Belleau Wood

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26078
catalog number
26078
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

A Wounded "Tanker"

Charcoal sketch on white paper of soldiers helping a wounded "tanker" or tank operator. Two American soldiers kneel on the group helping another wounded soldier, while a large tank behind them shields the soldiers from harm. Another soldier is looking out the window of the tank.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of soldiers helping a wounded "tanker" or tank operator. Two American soldiers kneel on the group helping another wounded soldier, while a large tank behind them shields the soldiers from harm. Another soldier is looking out the window of the tank. In the background at right, another tank and a dark cloud of smoke are visible.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26093
catalog number
26093
accession number
64592

The Rhine, Looking Upstream from Coblenz

Pencil (and possibly watercolor?) sketch on white paper and mounted on thick brown paper. Focal point of sketch is a bridge that crosses the Rhine river in Coblenz. To the right there is a large building and a small park with trees, bushes, and a path along the riverside.
Description
Pencil (and possibly watercolor?) sketch on white paper and mounted on thick brown paper. Focal point of sketch is a bridge that crosses the Rhine river in Coblenz. To the right there is a large building and a small park with trees, bushes, and a path along the riverside. To the left, on the other side of the river, there is a town, complete with a church steeple and houses. There are rolling hills behind the town.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26038
catalog number
26038
accession number
64592

Brieulles-sur-Meuse

Oil on canvas. Three soldiers climb a hill in front of large buildings with varying levels of damange in center background. The largest building has a turret with a cone shaped roof. A wooden frame of a builing, with no roof, in left background.
Description
Oil on canvas. Three soldiers climb a hill in front of large buildings with varying levels of damange in center background. The largest building has a turret with a cone shaped roof. A wooden frame of a builing, with no roof, in left background. Three soldiers run along a road in right background. A fire burns in the distance in center foreground. A wooden post sticks out of the ground in left foreground. Catalogue card reads "Scene of fierce fighting in the -- phase of the Argonne offensive."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.35931
catalog number
35931
accession number
104470

Contact with the Enemy

Charcoal sketch on white paper. German soldiers run towards unseen enemy. A demolished wagon and dead horse are seen in the foreground. German helmets, guns, and dead bodies are strewn about on the ground.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. German soldiers run towards unseen enemy. A demolished wagon and dead horse are seen in the foreground. German helmets, guns, and dead bodies are strewn about on the ground. Two trees and two tanks are seen in the background on the right side.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26101
catalog number
26101
accession number
64592

United War Work Campaign Pin

Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat red, white, and blue rectangle.
Description (Brief)
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat red, white, and blue rectangle. White text in the red portion reads “I Gave For The Boys.” Blue text in the white portion reads “Did You?” White text in the blue portion reads “United War Work Campaign.”
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0261
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0261

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