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.

Resource Type: Sketches

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

To the Victor Belong the Spoils

Crayon sketch on paper of two American soldiers and a German prisoner standing next to a large pile of looted objects. The American soldier on the left is carrying a rabbit and mauser rifle while smoking a German pipe.
Description
Crayon sketch on paper of two American soldiers and a German prisoner standing next to a large pile of looted objects. The American soldier on the left is carrying a rabbit and mauser rifle while smoking a German pipe. The German prisoner in the middle is wearing a camouflaged helmet and smoking a cigarette. The American soldier at right is wearing a German feld miitze (field cap) under his helmet, holding a violin and a mauser rifle, and smoking a German pipe. At left is a large pile of looted objects, the spoils of war, including a mauser rifle with wooden holster, a pickelhaube, a feld miitze, a gas mask, a German stick grenade, books, and candlesticks. Signed at center left by the artist, "Geo. Harding AEF."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
1918-09-13
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Harding, George Matthews
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25751
catalog number
25751
accession number
64592

The Alert, Badonviller

Charcoal sketch on paper of two soldiers standing lookout in a trench in Badonviller, France. Both soldiers are holding rifles and are scanning the area, having apparently been alerted to incoming enemy action.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of two soldiers standing lookout in a trench in Badonviller, France. Both soldiers are holding rifles and are scanning the area, having apparently been alerted to incoming enemy action. A forest of shell-torn trees surrounds the trench.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Morgan, Wallace
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25784
catalog number
25784
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

The Square at Echternach, Luxembourg

Colored sketch on thick white paper. This work depicts Place du Marche in the Luxembourgish village of Echternach on Luxembourg's border with German Rhineland at the close of World War I.
Description
Colored sketch on thick white paper. This work depicts Place du Marche in the Luxembourgish village of Echternach on Luxembourg's border with German Rhineland at the close of World War I. Banners line the facade of Echternach's city hall in the foreground, and the steeples of the basilica rise from the background. The soldiers in the square are likely American, an Army truck is visible on the street to the right, and a Red Cross ambulance is on the street to the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26064
catalog number
26064
accession number
64592

On the Crest of No-Man's Land between Flirey and Essey

Charcoal sketch on paper. Sketch shows a fenced off field that's been destroyed by shell fire in the foreground. Army trucks and soldiers are behind the field. One American soldier is in the quarantined field. Two barrage balloons are in the sky.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. Sketch shows a fenced off field that's been destroyed by shell fire in the foreground. Army trucks and soldiers are behind the field. One American soldier is in the quarantined field. Two barrage balloons are in the sky. There are fields and rolling hills in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26029
catalog number
26029
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

Southwest of Chateau Thierry

Colored pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on brown thick paper. This sketch is a landscape showing several marching soldiers walk through a field off into the distance.
Description
Colored pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on brown thick paper. This sketch is a landscape showing several marching soldiers walk through a field off into the distance. There are several agricultural fields separated by large trees on the right of the sketch, and woods to the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26047
catalog number
26047
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

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

The Light Tank at the Tank Center

Charcoal sketch on paper of four Renault-type light tanks parked in a wooded area. There are numbers attached to the trees behind the tanks, presumably to number or identify the tanks below. Two tanks act as a focal point at center, framed by trees on either side of them.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of four Renault-type light tanks parked in a wooded area. There are numbers attached to the trees behind the tanks, presumably to number or identify the tanks below. Two tanks act as a focal point at center, framed by trees on either side of them. Tracks from the tank treads are visible in the grass surrounding the tanks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26095
catalog number
26095
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 Village Square, Bouresches

Mounted sketch on paper. This work illustrates shell torn buildings during World War I in the French village of Bouresches. Rubble is scattered in the foreground while a tattered tree dominates the center of the composition, partially obscuring a deserted blue wagon behind it.
Description
Mounted sketch on paper. This work illustrates shell torn buildings during World War I in the French village of Bouresches. Rubble is scattered in the foreground while a tattered tree dominates the center of the composition, partially obscuring a deserted blue wagon behind it. Damage buildings crowd the background of the sketch demonstrating the devastation the conflict brought to the French countryside.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
1918-08
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26062
catalog number
26062
accession number
64592

On Hill 204, Southwest of Chateau Thierry

Colored sketch on white paper mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows "Hill 204." The hill has several demolished trees. There is a group of American soldiers standing on the hill in the background.
Description
Colored sketch on white paper mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows "Hill 204." The hill has several demolished trees. There is a group of American soldiers standing on the hill in the background. One of them seems to be advancing up the slope, while the others just appear to be standing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26021
catalog number
26021
accession number
64592

Over the Top

Charcoal sketch on paper. American soldiers and tanks make their way forward over trenches and through shell-torn earth. An observation balloon floats on the horizon at left.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. American soldiers and tanks make their way forward over trenches and through shell-torn earth. An observation balloon floats on the horizon at left. A jumble of barbed wire entanglements line the foreground.
The work's title, "Over the Top," refers to soldiers rising out of the trenches and attacking over open land, which exposed them to enemy fire. This dark landscape illustrates the machines and technology used in World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26030
catalog number
26030
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

The Light Tank in Action

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch is in wooden frame. Renault T17 tank with a camouflaged ball crossing and cleaning up a trench in foreground. Two soldiers armed with M1903 Springfields in left background. Another Renault T17 in right backgroundCurrently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch is in wooden frame. Renault T17 tank with a camouflaged ball crossing and cleaning up a trench in foreground. Two soldiers armed with M1903 Springfields in left background. Another Renault T17 in right background
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26129
catalog number
26129
accession number
64592

St. Juvin, an Argonne Village

Mixed media sketch on paper. Crumbling buildings line the road of the small village of St. Juvin.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Crumbling buildings line the road of the small village of St. Juvin. The village is located in the Argonne region of France, which was an area of intense fighting between German and American soldiers in 1918, near the end of the hostilities of the First World War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26057
catalog number
26057
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

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