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.

Name: War Department

Billeting Village Near Neufchateau, Farm Building

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on heavy white card. The drawing depicts a farm building with extensive shell damage to its roof.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on heavy white card. The drawing depicts a farm building with extensive shell damage to its roof.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25649
catalog number
25649
accession number
64592

Chateau Thierry

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on thick white card. View from atop a set of stairs at Chateau Thierry. Village and low hills in background. There is an inscription (of several lines) on the lower left of the sketch that has been erased or is faded.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on thick white card. View from atop a set of stairs at Chateau Thierry. Village and low hills in background. There is an inscription (of several lines) on the lower left of the sketch that has been erased or is faded. Only the first line of this inscription--"Chateau Thierry"--is legible.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-31
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25817
catalog number
25817
accession number
64592

In the Argonne Forest

Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Forest scene with bare and fallen trees. Wire entanglements on left; pool of water in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Forest scene with bare and fallen trees. Wire entanglements on left; pool of water in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25771
catalog number
25771
accession number
64592

Road to La Charmel

Charcoal, crayon, and ink wash drawing on cream wove card. In the foreground is a large destroyed machine gun. Deceased German soldiers lie beside the gun. On the horizon, American soldiers and horse-drawn artillery are on the march.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, and ink wash drawing on cream wove card. In the foreground is a large destroyed machine gun. Deceased German soldiers lie beside the gun. On the horizon, American soldiers and horse-drawn artillery are on the march. An observation balloon dominates the sky.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25746
catalog number
25746
accession number
64592

In a German Abri, Buillonville

Charcoal drawing on paper. The work depicts the interior of a German abri, or underground shelter, near Bouillonville, France during World War I. Two indistinct figures are visible behind one of the supports in the background.
Description
Charcoal drawing on paper. The work depicts the interior of a German abri, or underground shelter, near Bouillonville, France during World War I. Two indistinct figures are visible behind one of the supports in the background. A label pasted on the mount below the drawing reads "This abri was dug in the side of a hill and was very extensive. It had two entrances, thus assuring the safety of those within."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25839
catalog number
25839
accession number
64592

German Prisoner Type

Mixed media on cardboard. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man appears young and wears a cap with orange ribbon around it, indicating he may be an officer.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media on cardboard. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man appears young and wears a cap with orange ribbon around it, indicating he may be an officer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25659
catalog number
25659
accession number
64592

88th Division

Black crayon sketch heightened with white gouache. Large, damaged building sited on a stream. Leafless trees at left. Picturesque; no soldiers or military equipment appear is the scene. Sketch done on olive green wove paper that is mounted on tan card with graphite border.
Description
Black crayon sketch heightened with white gouache. Large, damaged building sited on a stream. Leafless trees at left. Picturesque; no soldiers or military equipment appear is the scene. Sketch done on olive green wove paper that is mounted on tan card with graphite border. An inscription on the lower edge of the mount reads: "Advanced machine gun position, 88th Division,/Balschviller, Alsace, October 1, 1918."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704D
catalog number
25704D
accession number
64592

Major R. M. Smith, Fourth Infantry

Charcoal, sanguine, graphite, and crayon sketches on thick textured cream wove paper. The paper is oriented vertically and divided into three scenes - one on the bottom that occupies the width of the paper, and two, situated side by side, on top of the bottom one.
Description
Charcoal, sanguine, graphite, and crayon sketches on thick textured cream wove paper. The paper is oriented vertically and divided into three scenes - one on the bottom that occupies the width of the paper, and two, situated side by side, on top of the bottom one. The top left scene is a view of a shell-torn church and a soldier through an open doorway. The inscription at the top left of this scene reads "CHURCH AT NESLES." The top right sketch shows a stairway leading to the entry of a building. Soldiers are sitting on the stairway; a gate is at the right. The inscription at the top right of this sketch reads "4th Inf. 3 Div. TROOPS BILLETED p.t. HEURETE bise FARM July 1...[cut off]." The bottom sketch shows a man walking away from a shell torn building.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25743
catalog number
25743
accession number
64592

A Tractor in the Mud, Gièvres

Charcoal sketch on paper. A tractor carrying a large load dominates the scene. Tents, buildings, and soldiers in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. A tractor carrying a large load dominates the scene. Tents, buildings, and soldiers in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25797
catalog number
25797
accession number
64592

A Road at the Front

A charcoal, pencil, and watercolor color sketch on paper of a camouflaged road at the front lines. An American soldier is walking down a road that is bordered on each side by a barbed wire fence covered with branches and wood that continues into the background.
Description
A charcoal, pencil, and watercolor color sketch on paper of a camouflaged road at the front lines. An American soldier is walking down a road that is bordered on each side by a barbed wire fence covered with branches and wood that continues into the background. The catalog card records the original label for this drawing: "This is the road from Baccarat to Pexonne via Vaqueville. It shows a screening of camouflage made from reeds and pine bows now turned brown with age. On the distant hills (a little to the left of the center of this picture) is located a German O.P. [Observation Post]. The road is quite frequently under shell-fire."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25908
catalog number
25908
accession number
64592

After the Battle of Charteves

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village. A man, possibly a soldier, is in the street in the right foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25800
catalog number
25800
accession number
64592

American Motor Trucks at Langres

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. A large building, La Porte de Moulins, rises above several other buildings and a clearing where army vehicles are grouped. American soldiers are roughly sketched and appear to be working on one of the trucks.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. A large building, La Porte de Moulins, rises above several other buildings and a clearing where army vehicles are grouped. American soldiers are roughly sketched and appear to be working on one of the trucks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25902
catalog number
25902
accession number
64592

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

Soldiers' Billet

Pen, ink wash, and graphite sketch of a soldiers' billet in a village near Chateau Thierry, France. An American soldier on a horse rides through a gateway that is connected on each side to a building with a thatched roof.
Description
Pen, ink wash, and graphite sketch of a soldiers' billet in a village near Chateau Thierry, France. An American soldier on a horse rides through a gateway that is connected on each side to a building with a thatched roof. Another soldier stands behind the wooden gate to the right in the sketch. More buildings can be seen in the background through gate. Sketch is on white paper mounted on tan card, which is ruled with decorative graphite lines. Signed at bottom right by the artist, "W.J. Duncan, June 9, '18".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-09
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25699
catalog number
25699
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

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

Verdun Offensive

Charcoal and crayon drawing paper of wounded American soldiers making their way to the advanced aid station during the Verdun offensive. Depicted at center are two American soldiers carrying a wounded third soldier on a modified stretcher.
Description
Charcoal and crayon drawing paper of wounded American soldiers making their way to the advanced aid station during the Verdun offensive. Depicted at center are two American soldiers carrying a wounded third soldier on a modified stretcher. The soldier on the stretcher has his head and foot bandaged and is sitting hunched over on the stretcher. At left are two more wounded soldiers. The first is walking with the aid of a long stick in one hand while supporting himself with the shoulder of the second soldier. His left leg is bleeding and is being held up by the second soldier. The second soldier is bleeding from his head and shoulder. He is carrying his helmet over his arm. At right is a sixth soldier lying in the grass, apparently dead. His rifle is lying in the grass beside him. Next to the dead soldier is a line of barbed wire. A large explosion is visible in the background at right and two biplanes are visible in the sky overhead. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "Geo. Harding, AEF, Oct. 18"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Harding, George Matthews
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25755
catalog number
25755
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

Mobile Hospital No. 39, The Yale Unit

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows Mobile Hospital No. 39, The Yale Unit, near Chaillons in the St. Mihiel Sector of France. The hospital is made up of lots of large red or white tents.
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows Mobile Hospital No. 39, The Yale Unit, near Chaillons in the St. Mihiel Sector of France. The hospital is made up of lots of large red or white tents. It has an access road (seen on the right), and there are two soldiers walking on it towards the compound. There is a fence in front of the hospital, trees in the background to the left, and fields in the back on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26011
catalog number
26011
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

Between Shells, Chateau Thierry

Charcoal and crayon drawing on paper of American soldiers rushing out of a shell-torn building during a pause in shelling. Two soldiers have left the building and are running across the building to the left.
Description
Charcoal and crayon drawing on paper of American soldiers rushing out of a shell-torn building during a pause in shelling. Two soldiers have left the building and are running across the building to the left. Two soldiers are visible in the doorway on their way out of the building, with outlines of more soldiers visible behind. All soldiers are in uniform with helmets and rifles with fixed bayonets. The building is white with several large holes in the walls and windows. Green shutters hang askew from the windows and a green door has been taken off its hinges. The doorway is surrounded by elaborate green trim. A black railing in front of the building is bent from damage. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "George Harding, Chateau Thierry"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Harding, George Matthews
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25737
catalog number
25737
accession number
64592

A Roadside Y.M.C.A. Canteen, Northwest of Chateau Thierry

Ink wash sketch on white paper mounted on white card stock. Sketch shows five American and French soldiers sitting or standing in an open field with three boxes of ammunition.
Description
Ink wash sketch on white paper mounted on white card stock. Sketch shows five American and French soldiers sitting or standing in an open field with three boxes of ammunition. One of the boxes is labeled "Y.M.C.A." All of the soldiers are in profile view or have their backs to the frame. There are a few trees in the immediate background, and a wooded area further in the distance on the left side. These soldiers are not engaged in combat and some even appear to be resting.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-08
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26119
catalog number
26119
accession number
64592

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