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

The River at Neufchâteau

Crayon and gouache on card. The work depicts a view of the river at Neufchâteau, France. Two soldiers are along the bank of the river. One man is sitting down and fishing; the other holds an umbrella over the sitting man's head.
Description
Crayon and gouache on card. The work depicts a view of the river at Neufchâteau, France. Two soldiers are along the bank of the river. One man is sitting down and fishing; the other holds an umbrella over the sitting man's head. A large church, several houses, and outhouses are visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25674
catalog number
25674
accession number
64592

German Prisoner Type

Mixed media on board. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man is wearing rimmed glasses and has a beard.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media on board. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man is wearing rimmed glasses and has a beard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25660
catalog number
25660
accession number
64592
64592

Clearing Out the Road through Mont St. Père

Charcoal and gouache on beige textured paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts soldiers clearing rubble off the road that goes through Mont-Saint-Père. The large building that dominates the scene is badly damaged from the war.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and gouache on beige textured paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts soldiers clearing rubble off the road that goes through Mont-Saint-Père. The large building that dominates the scene is badly damaged from the war.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25651
catalog number
25651
accession number
64592

Infantry and Tanks Advancing on Field

Charcoal sketch. In the foreground is a mounted soldier and a soldier on foot next to him; both of them are wearing French helmets. Beyond these two figures is a line of advancing infantrymen. On the left are two Renault FT-17 tanks.
Description
Charcoal sketch. In the foreground is a mounted soldier and a soldier on foot next to him; both of them are wearing French helmets. Beyond these two figures is a line of advancing infantrymen. On the left are two Renault FT-17 tanks. In the background, on the right, are trees and shell-torn buildings. Plumes of smoke streak the horizon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25773
catalog number
25773
accession number
64592

Dun-sur-Meuse (No. 1)

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Dun-sur-Meuse, France during World War I. The Meuse River occupies the foreground of the scene.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Dun-sur-Meuse, France during World War I. The Meuse River occupies the foreground of the scene.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25976
catalog number
25976
accession number
64592

Field of Belleau

A charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. This landscape shows the view from the village of Belleau looking towards Belleau Wood. Trenches and foxholes constructed by the German soldiers are in the foreground.
Description
A charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. This landscape shows the view from the village of Belleau looking towards Belleau Wood. Trenches and foxholes constructed by the German soldiers are in the foreground. Stielhandgranate (stick grenades) litter the ground around this abandoned German position.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-03
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25985
catalog number
25985
accession number
64592

Street in a French Town, Boucq

Mixed media sketch on paper. Street scene of Boucq, France, during World War I. Soldiers and a wagon move along a road lined with buildings.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Street scene of Boucq, France, during World War I. Soldiers and a wagon move along a road lined with buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25953
catalog number
25953
accession number
64592

A Locomotive Shop at Nazaire

Pencil sketch on paper of an American locomotive assembly shop at Saint Nazaire, France during World War I. Men working on several engines.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil sketch on paper of an American locomotive assembly shop at Saint Nazaire, France during World War I. Men working on several engines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25919
catalog number
25919
accession number
64592

Village of the Dead

Charcoal, crayon, pastel, and gouache sketch on heavy textured cream wove paper. American troops are mounted on a team of horses pulling a large artillery piece through a shell-torn village.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, pastel, and gouache sketch on heavy textured cream wove paper. American troops are mounted on a team of horses pulling a large artillery piece through a shell-torn village. In the left foreground, a cross with a helmet hung from it marks a grave.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25732
catalog number
25732
accession number
64592

Bramme

Charcoal drawing on paper. Two American soldiers and a woman stand in front of a large building in the town of Bramme, a village on the Mosel River. There are a few other people dotting the background of this World War I village street scene.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal drawing on paper. Two American soldiers and a woman stand in front of a large building in the town of Bramme, a village on the Mosel River. There are a few other people dotting the background of this World War I village street scene.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25954
catalog number
25954
accession number
64592

Building the Hospital at Bazoilles

Mixed media sketch on paper. A complex of buildings and temporary structures make up the hospital at Bazoilles, which was one of the largest hospitals in France during World War I.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. A complex of buildings and temporary structures make up the hospital at Bazoilles, which was one of the largest hospitals in France during World War I. An inscription beneath the drawing reads, "Showing an extension of the hospital; workmen shown here are Chinese. The hospital will eventually provide 10,000 beds. The ward buildings are built on both sides of the river."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25959
catalog number
25959
accession number
64592

Bomb Proof Billets and Chow

Charcoal sketch on white paper. In this outdoor scene, soldiers prepare and eat a meal. The outdoor mess area is framed by a house on the right, and dugouts built into a rise in the ground. A caisson is in the center foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. In this outdoor scene, soldiers prepare and eat a meal. The outdoor mess area is framed by a house on the right, and dugouts built into a rise in the ground. A caisson is in the center foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25763
catalog number
25763
accession number
64592

First Division Headquarters Kitchen - St. Mihiel Drive

A charcoal and gouache painting on light beige card of the first division headquarters kitchen located on St. Mihiel Drive. The kitchen is in front of a building. There are approximately 27 soldiers in the drawing although most of their faces are not detailed.
Description
A charcoal and gouache painting on light beige card of the first division headquarters kitchen located on St. Mihiel Drive. The kitchen is in front of a building. There are approximately 27 soldiers in the drawing although most of their faces are not detailed. The soldiers are standing around, eating, resting, or gathering food into their mess kit. There is a tent with the sign "Mud Dog Inn" at left. Rifles are stacked against the building on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25656
catalog number
25656
accession number
64592

Houses in Badonviller

Ink wash sketch on heavy white card. Facade of a house showing the effects of recent bombardments. Two soldiers sitting up against a stairway; another soldier stands in the road. The dugout cellar shelter depicted is characteristic of where soldiers lived during the war.
Description
Ink wash sketch on heavy white card. Facade of a house showing the effects of recent bombardments. Two soldiers sitting up against a stairway; another soldier stands in the road. The dugout cellar shelter depicted is characteristic of where soldiers lived during the war. A label affixed to the bottom of the sketch reads: "HOUSES IN BADONVILLER/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2995." This label is glued over another illegible label.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25837
catalog number
25837
accession number
64592

Chateau Thierry

Ink wash sketch. The scene depicts the village of Chateau Thierry as seen from the Old Chateau. A label affixed to the bottom of the drawing reads: "CHATEAU THIERRY/From the terrace of the Old Chateau, July 21, 1918/BY E.
Description
Ink wash sketch. The scene depicts the village of Chateau Thierry as seen from the Old Chateau. A label affixed to the bottom of the drawing reads: "CHATEAU THIERRY/From the terrace of the Old Chateau, July 21, 1918/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2977."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25819
catalog number
25819
accession number
64592

The Church at Nesles

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on card. The work depicts a shell-torn church at Nesles, France. In the foreground, an American soldier crouches in front of a stone wall.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on card. The work depicts a shell-torn church at Nesles, France. In the foreground, an American soldier crouches in front of a stone wall.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
date depicted
1918-07-09
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25672 [dup1]
catalog number
25672
accession number
64592

Temporary Bridge Over the Moselle

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. View of a quickly constructed wooden bridge over a river. On the far bank of the river are several shell-torn buildings that have been braced with supports. Soldiers are walking over the temporary bridge.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. View of a quickly constructed wooden bridge over a river. On the far bank of the river are several shell-torn buildings that have been braced with supports. Soldiers are walking over the temporary bridge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25866
catalog number
25866
accession number
64592

Guns and Locomotives in a Shop at St. Nazaire

A pencil sketch on paper of a shop in St. Nazaire, France that manufactures artillery pieces and locomotives for the war. Two men stand in the center of a large building, surrounded by equipment.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil sketch on paper of a shop in St. Nazaire, France that manufactures artillery pieces and locomotives for the war. Two men stand in the center of a large building, surrounded by equipment.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25987
catalog number
25987
accession number
64592

Billeting Village Near Neufchateau

Charcoal, crayon, watercolor, and gouache on heavy white card. The work depicts several buildings on a street in a village near Neufchâteau, France. The buildings are intact and not shell-torn.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, watercolor, and gouache on heavy white card. The work depicts several buildings on a street in a village near Neufchâteau, France. The buildings are intact and not shell-torn. The painting shows the view down a road which leads through village.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25646
catalog number
25646
accession number
64592

A Repair Shop at Issoudun

Pencil and crayon drawing on paper. The work depicts the interior of an airplane repair shop at Issoudun, France during World War I. Men are working on disassembled airplanes.
Description
Pencil and crayon drawing on paper. The work depicts the interior of an airplane repair shop at Issoudun, France during World War I. Men are working on disassembled airplanes. A piece of an engine or airplane body is suspended in the ceiling above the overhead beams.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25924
catalog number
25924
accession number
64592

American Soldiers on the March

Charcoal sketch on board. Troops marching through a shell-torn village. In the foreground are several soldiers and a horse-drawn wagon; these are in shadow. The background of the picture is in light and includes more troops, trucks, buildings, and trees.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on board. Troops marching through a shell-torn village. In the foreground are several soldiers and a horse-drawn wagon; these are in shadow. The background of the picture is in light and includes more troops, trucks, buildings, and trees.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
referenced
1918-07-10
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25759
catalog number
25759
accession number
64592

The Château Euvezin

Charcoal drawing on paper. A large chateau sits in the center of the sketch. There is a telegraph pole at the right edge of the drawing. From the catalog card: "'This Chateau was long used as a German Headquarters and when this drawing was made (Sept. 16th) it was the H.q.
Description
Charcoal drawing on paper. A large chateau sits in the center of the sketch. There is a telegraph pole at the right edge of the drawing. From the catalog card: "'This Chateau was long used as a German Headquarters and when this drawing was made (Sept. 16th) it was the H.q. of our 29th Division.' (original label)" Although the catalog card says Sept. 16th, the artist's signature says "Aug 19 ; 18."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25870
catalog number
25870
accession number
64592

Watering Horses in Village in Toul Sector

Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The work shows a group of mounted soldiers watering their horses in a village in the Tour Sector of France during World War I.
Description
Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The work shows a group of mounted soldiers watering their horses in a village in the Tour Sector of France during World War I. The village church is in the center of the sketch; to the right and behind the church is a small castle surrounded by trees.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25898
catalog number
25898
accession number
64592

Brieulles-Sur-Meuse

Charcoal sketch of a large shell-torn building and several other smaller buildings. The large building has been almost cut in half, from the roof to the ground, by a shell. The sketch is done on thin greenish paper, which is attached to slightly thicker card of the same size.
Description
Charcoal sketch of a large shell-torn building and several other smaller buildings. The large building has been almost cut in half, from the roof to the ground, by a shell. The sketch is done on thin greenish paper, which is attached to slightly thicker card of the same size. This mount is then taped to a large piece of thick cardboard at each of its corners. There are two labels attached to the large cardboard mount. The first reads: "BRIEULLES-SUR-MEUSE/BY E. PIEXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2972." The second label is typed and reads "Dun and Brieulles were both the/scenes of fierce fighting in the/Argonne Campaign."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25814
catalog number
25814
accession number
64592

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