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: Combat Art

Awaiting a Call

Graphite, brush and ink wash sketch. Sketch of trucks lined up in a town square. People and soldiers are depicted; one woman with a child carries an umbrella. Two small dogs in front of the line of trucks. Hills and clouds in background.
Description
Graphite, brush and ink wash sketch. Sketch of trucks lined up in a town square. People and soldiers are depicted; one woman with a child carries an umbrella. Two small dogs in front of the line of trucks. Hills and clouds in background. Sketch is done on white wove paper that is affixed to a larger piece of off-white card.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05-18
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25694
catalog number
25694
accession number
64592

A View of Headquarters and Chaumont

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts the city of Chaumont, France, the site of the American Expeditionary Force headquarters during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts the city of Chaumont, France, the site of the American Expeditionary Force headquarters during World War I. A stream and an open field dotted with trees in the foreground leads to a bluff, topped with buildings, in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-03-23
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25917
catalog number
25917
accession number
64592

Church in Baccarat

Ink wash sketch on paper. A gothic church rises above a bridge spanning a river. A convoy of large vehicles crosses the bridge.From catalog card: "The bridge was blown up in the early part of the war; is now temporarily repaired."Currently not on view
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper. A gothic church rises above a bridge spanning a river. A convoy of large vehicles crosses the bridge.
From catalog card: "The bridge was blown up in the early part of the war; is now temporarily repaired."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25820
catalog number
25820
accession number
64592

Boundary Bridge Over the Sure, Echternach

Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch is a winter scene of a bridge over a river. Buildings and bare trees on teh far end of bridge (on the right side of the sketch). A label below the sketch on the cardboard mount reads: "BOUNDARY BRIDGE OVER THE SURE/ECHTERNACH/BY E.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch is a winter scene of a bridge over a river. Buildings and bare trees on teh far end of bridge (on the right side of the sketch). A label below the sketch on the cardboard mount reads: "BOUNDARY BRIDGE OVER THE SURE/ECHTERNACH/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2970."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25812
catalog number
25812
accession number
64592

Men of the 32nd in the Court of the Abbey Echternach

Charcoal and ink wash drawing on paper. The drawing depicts the soldiers of the US Army 32nd Infantry Division gathered in the court of the Abbey Echternach, in German-occupied Luxembourg, during World War I.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash drawing on paper. The drawing depicts the soldiers of the US Army 32nd Infantry Division gathered in the court of the Abbey Echternach, in German-occupied Luxembourg, during World War I. The work shows a square bordered by a large church and several other buildings. The church is the Abbey of Echternach, a Benedictine monastery in the city of Echternach, in eastern Luxembourg.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25879
catalog number
25879
accession number
64592

At Romorantin

Mixed media sketch on paper of an airfield at Romorantin, France, during World War I. In the background and on the left are a line of hangars; airplanes are in the left and right of the sketch.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper of an airfield at Romorantin, France, during World War I. In the background and on the left are a line of hangars; airplanes are in the left and right of the sketch. The planes have the blue, red, and white vertical stripes on their tail fins that indicate they are Allied planes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25952
catalog number
25952
accession number
64592

Last Remains of Montfaucon

Ink wash, black crayon, and graphite sketch of a road leading through what remains of a village. An ambulance stands before a shell-torn building; several wagons and soldiers are standing in the road. Part of a wall stands on the right. Airplanes in sky.
Description
Ink wash, black crayon, and graphite sketch of a road leading through what remains of a village. An ambulance stands before a shell-torn building; several wagons and soldiers are standing in the road. Part of a wall stands on the right. Airplanes in sky. Sketch is on beige wove paper mounted on tan card that has decorative ruled lines. Below the sketch is a printed label, attached to the tan mount, that reads: "THE LAST REMAINS OF MONTFAUCON/FIRST-AID DRESSING STATION/BY W. J. DUNCAN/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2860."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10-20
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25702
catalog number
25702
accession number
64592

In Pursuit of the Enemy

Charcoal and crayon sketch on white paper. American troops in a shell-torn village. The soldier in center foreground has his bayonet fixed to his rifle. A deceased man and rifle lying on the ground at left.
Description
Charcoal and crayon sketch on white paper. American troops in a shell-torn village. The soldier in center foreground has his bayonet fixed to his rifle. A deceased man and rifle lying on the ground at left. Buildings, including a damaged church spire, line the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-24
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25734
catalog number
25734
accession number
64592

Encampment at Rebeuville, Troops of the Forty-Second Division

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of a encampment at Rebeuville, France during September of 1918. Some soldiers of the forty-second division of the American Expeditionary Force are pictured here. This division participated in the St.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of a encampment at Rebeuville, France during September of 1918. Some soldiers of the forty-second division of the American Expeditionary Force are pictured here. This division participated in the St. Mihiel offensive, one the final battles of World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25982
catalog number
25982
accession number
64592

German Billets in a Village Near Montabaur

A charcoal, watercolor, and pastel sketch on paper. In the drawing, six soldiers are standing in front of several timber frame buildings in a village near Montabaur, Germany. Debris is scattered around the outside of the buildings.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal, watercolor, and pastel sketch on paper. In the drawing, six soldiers are standing in front of several timber frame buildings in a village near Montabaur, Germany. Debris is scattered around the outside of the buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25991
catalog number
25991
accession number
64592

A Street Scene in Thiaucourt

Charcoal sketch on paper. The focal point of this street scene is a large pile of debris in front of what appears to be a ruined church. Soldiers marching through the road.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The focal point of this street scene is a large pile of debris in front of what appears to be a ruined church. Soldiers marching through the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25930
catalog number
25930
accession number
64592

Billeting Village Near Neufchâteau

Oil and gouache on paper. In this village scene none of the buildings have escaped damage from the war. Shell damage is apparent in the houses' roofs and the holes in the road in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Oil and gouache on paper. In this village scene none of the buildings have escaped damage from the war. Shell damage is apparent in the houses' roofs and the holes in the road in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25684
catalog number
25684
accession number
64592

Artillery Encampment near Luxembourg

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts an artillery encampment near Luxembourg during World War I. Several artillery guns, most likely French 75mm cannons, are lined up in a clearing in front of a building.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts an artillery encampment near Luxembourg during World War I. Several artillery guns, most likely French 75mm cannons, are lined up in a clearing in front of a building.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25933
catalog number
25933
accession number
64592

Street in Cochem, Germany

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Street scene of Cochem, Germany after the Armistice of World War I. There are four armed soldiers marching through the street.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Street scene of Cochem, Germany after the Armistice of World War I. There are four armed soldiers marching through the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26056
catalog number
26056
accession number
64592

American Infantry Advancing with Tanks near Essey

Crayon and charcoal drawing on white paper. A tank looms on the horizon in this battlefield scene. Barbed-wire entanglements on right and left.
Description
Crayon and charcoal drawing on white paper. A tank looms on the horizon in this battlefield scene. Barbed-wire entanglements on right and left. A soldier lies on the ground in the center of the drawing, while two American soldiers advance, with rifles ready, in the foreground.
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.25731
catalog number
25731
accession number
64592

Shelter in Rambucourt

Graphite and colored pencil sketch on paper. American soldiers shelter in a shell-torn building in Rambucourt, France during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Graphite and colored pencil sketch on paper. American soldiers shelter in a shell-torn building in Rambucourt, France during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
1918-10
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26050
catalog number
26050
accession number
64592

Corner in Beaumont

A pencil sketch with touches of watercolor. Two soldiers carrying rifles appear on a road in the town of Beaumont, France during World War I. The large building on the right is badly damaged from the fighting.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil sketch with touches of watercolor. Two soldiers carrying rifles appear on a road in the town of Beaumont, France during World War I. The large building on the right is badly damaged from the fighting.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25974
catalog number
25974
accession number
64592

Street in Neufchâteau

Pastel with crayon, wash, and gouache on heavy white card. French village scene with a pastry shop in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Pastel with crayon, wash, and gouache on heavy white card. French village scene with a pastry shop in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25668
catalog number
25668
accession number
64592

Gateway at Verdun

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a gateway into Verdun, France. The Meuse river flows in the foreground. A bridge over the river leads to a tall fortification gate with a French flag flying.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a gateway into Verdun, France. The Meuse river flows in the foreground. A bridge over the river leads to a tall fortification gate with a French flag flying. Behind the gate is the town of Verdun; a church steeple rises over the other buildings of the town.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25990
catalog number
25990
accession number
64592

Street Barricade at Château-Thierry

Charcoal, gouache, and watercolor drawing on paper mounted on brown board. The work depicts two American soldiers at a rubble barricade on a street in Château-Thierry, France. The two buildings on either side of the barricade are damaged.
Description
Charcoal, gouache, and watercolor drawing on paper mounted on brown board. The work depicts two American soldiers at a rubble barricade on a street in Château-Thierry, France. The two buildings on either side of the barricade are damaged. Several white buildings are in the background including one with the French word "Coiffeur" written near its roof. The sky is partly cloudy and a plane is flying overhead.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25667
catalog number
25667
accession number
64592

Apremont

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts several buildings in a village in no man's land, near Apremont, France during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts several buildings in a village in no man's land, near Apremont, France during World War I. Five men are standing in the shadow of one of the shell-torn structures, and another man is walking in front of a building in the background. Several rows of barbed wired fences border the town.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25934
catalog number
25934
accession number
64592

The Pursuit

Charcoal sketch on paper. A line of army trucks and soldiers moves along a road. There appear to be two dead horses lying on the side of the road. Fires burn on the horizon.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. A line of army trucks and soldiers moves along a road. There appear to be two dead horses lying on the side of the road. Fires burn on the horizon. From the catalog card: "Army trucks and soldiers moving forward in pursuit of the enemy who are burning towns in the distance. The picture is a scene in the Old No Mans Land in the St. Mihiel sector."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25789
catalog number
25789
accession number
64592

Bombarded Town in the North, Toul Sector

Charcoal sketch on white card stock. The work depicts damaged buildings in a town near Toul which has been deserted by its civilian population. The shell-torn buildings are at the left of a canal running through the middle of the sketch.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white card stock. The work depicts damaged buildings in a town near Toul which has been deserted by its civilian population. The shell-torn buildings are at the left of a canal running through the middle of the sketch. A soldier is watering two horses in the canal at the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25810
catalog number
25810
accession number
64592

Effects of Shell Explosion in Town

Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts several damaged buildings in a village near Toul, France after a shell attack. A road winds through the sketch between the buildings and a church on the left. Three soldiers are shown walking along the road.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts several damaged buildings in a village near Toul, France after a shell attack. A road winds through the sketch between the buildings and a church on the left. Three soldiers are shown walking along the road. A label attached to the cardboard under the sketch reads: "EFFECTS OF SHELL EXPLOSION IN TOWN/ON NORTH TOUL SECTOR/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2982"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25824
catalog number
25824
accession number
64592

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