A society that makes enemies of its police, better learn to make friends with its criminals
The Museum
We are so happy that you decided to stop by. Our collection at Providence Military Museum is a tribute to those men and women that have served with honor, pride and courage. Our exhibits are second to none. You are cordially invited to virtually explore our museum, where you will get the chance to expand your knowledge through our exclusive collection. You’ll be exposed to new ideas, enjoy an array of carefully curated exhibits, and expand your mind.
Virtual Tour
We invite you to take a virtual tour of our museum. These panoramic views only represent a portion of the exhibits.
This museum and website in no way exist to glorify or condone war or any atrocities associated with war. It exists to educate visitors and viewers primarily on American military equipment, uniforms and military history. Because we are privately funded, we are always happy to accept donations, particularly military uniforms and equipment from any era, all donations are welcome. For comments, donations or information, please email providencemilitarymuseum@gmail.com
We support Guitars For Vets!
Helping Veterans Cope with PTSD Through Music
Nearly one million of our Military Veterans are afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, more soldiers have committed suicide since the Vietnam War than have died in actual battle. But many are finding hope in an unlikely place: behind the wood and strings of an acoustic guitar. The healing power of music helps soldiers cope. That’s why Guitars for Vets provides Veterans with guitars and a forum to learn how to play.
Helping to heal the men and women that have served our country is such a tremendous contribution, and with music therapy this can be accomplished.
And because of this, my amazingly talented wife Lauren deserves a mention. For years, Lauren has selflessly donated her time and music therapy knowledge to the Guitars for Vets program at the James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center in North Chicago, Illinois, teaching music and helping to heal veterans. She is too humble to ever consider herself a hero, but to the service men and women she has helped over the years, she is without a doubt a hero to them.
To my military veteran brothers and sisters and to my First Responder brothers and sisters feeling like you can't go on, know that there is help, know that there is hope.
The National Suicide Hotline can be reached by simply calling or texting 988.
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The 911 Wellness Group was created specifically with the mental health needs of first responders and military veterans and their families in mind. Go to 911well.com for more information.
911well.com/847-550-4520
"A Hero's Wish" was written by Lauren and dedicated to all that have served.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
APRIL 21, 1898-AUGUST 13, 1898
The Spanish-American War was a conflict between the United States and Spain that effectively ended Spain's role as a colonial power in the New World. The United States emerged from the war as a world power with significant territorial claims stretching from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia.
The war originated in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, which began in February 1895.
Spain’s brutally repressive measures to halt the rebellion were graphically portrayed for the U.S. public by several sensational newspapers engaging in "yellow journalism", (yellow journalism was the original fake news. The term was coined in the early 18th century to indicate journalism that relies on eye-catching headlines, exaggeration and sensationalism to increase sales) and American sympathy for the Cuban rebels rose.
The growing popular demand for U.S. intervention became an insistent chorus after the still-unexplained sinking in Havana harbor of the American battleship U.S.S. Maine, which had been sent to protect U.S. citizens and property after anti-Spanish rioting in Havana.
U.S.S. Maine 1898
Before becoming President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He resigned in 1898 to organize the Rough Riders, the first voluntary cavalry in the Spanish-American War. The U.S. was fighting against Spain over Spain's colonial policies with Cuba. Roosevelt recruited a diverse group of cowboys, miners, law enforcement officials, and Native Americans to join the Rough Riders. They participated in the capture of Kettle Hill, and then charged across a valley to assist in the seizure of San Juan Ridge, the highest point of which is San Juan Hill.
Roosevelt seen here with some of his Rough Riders
Did you know that the Teddy Bear was invented in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt? It all began when Theodore Roosevelt was on a bear hunting trip near Onward, Mississippi on November 14, 1902. Mississippi's Governor Andrew H. Longino had invited him, but unlike other hunters in the group, Theodore had not located a single bear.
Roosevelt's assistants, led by Holt Collier, a born slave and former Confederate cavalryman, cornered and tied a black bear to a willow tree. They summoned Roosevelt and suggested that he shoot it. Viewing this as extremely unsportsmanlike, Roosevelt refused to shoot the bear. The news of this event spread quickly through newspaper articles across the country. The articles recounted the story of the president who refused to shoot a bear. However, it was not just any president, it was Theodore Roosevelt the big game hunter!
Clifford Berryman, a political cartoonist, read the article and decided to lightheartedly satirize the president's refusal to shoot the bear. Berryman's cartoon appeared in the Washington Post on November 16, 1902. Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn candy shop owner, saw the cartoon and had an idea. He and his wife Rose also made stuffed animals, and Michtom decided to create a stuffed toy bear and dedicate it to the president who refused to shoot a bear. He called it 'Teddy's Bear'.
After receiving Roosevelt's permission to use his name, Michtom mass produced the toy bears which were so popular that he soon founded the Ideal Toy Company. To this day the Teddy Bear has worldwide popularity and its origin can be traced back to Theodore's fateful hunting trip in 1902.
A photo of the original Teddy Roosevelt Bear
U.S. Army Engineer uniform-1898 (653875) with Kepi Cap bearing the Engineers emblem and canteen with leather strap. He's holding a Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor rifle
(655789)
Clifford Berryman's 1902 cartoon that lampooned T.R.'s bear hunt
M1895 Kepi Cap
(152612)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers originated on 16 June, 1775, when General George Washington appointed Colonel Richard Gridley as the first chief engineer of the Continental Army. A Corps of Engineers was established by Congress as a component of the Continental Army in 1779.
The exact origin of the emblem of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Corps Castle, is unknown because of an 1838 fire at West Point that destroyed its records. In 1840, the castle was unofficially adopted by Army Corps of Engineers as its symbol, becoming official in 1902.
Mills M1894 Blue Infantry 100 round cartridge belt (80337) with trapdoor bayonet with scabbard (140991)
Model 1878 canteen with black
leather canteen strap
(165747)
Spanish American War
U.S. Army 49TH Iowa Volunteer Infantry Haversack. Model M1878
(72667)
The 49th Iowa became part of the Second Division of the Seventh Army Corps. The unit shipped out, bound for Jacksonville's Camp Cuba Libre on June 14, where it remained and was at that location when the fighting ended on August 13. The regiment finally departed Jacksonville on October 25, arriving at Savannah, Georgia the following day.
Eventually the unit served in Cuba as part of the occupation forces, leaving Savannah, Georgia on December 19, 1898 aboard the U.S. Transport "MINNAWASKA" bound for Havana, Cuba and arriving three days later. The unit was stationed in Cuba for the winter, and departed Cuba in April of 1899. Companies A, C, F, H, I and K departed Havana aboard the transport SAN ANTONIO on April 5, arriving back at Savannah three days later. On April 18, after quarantine, these companies went into camp at Savannah. The headquarters and companies B, D, E, G and L departed Havana aboard the transport HAVANA on April 9, arriving at Savannah on April 11, and going into camp on April 16, stayed in Cuba until April 5, 1899 when it left the island to return to the United States, where it arrived six days later.
The 49th Iowa was mustered out of service on May 13, 1899. At the time of muster out, the unit consisted of 49 officers and 953 enlisted men. During its term of service, two officers and fifty-two enlisted men died of disease. One enlisted man died as a result of an accident, and two more deserted. Eleven were discharged on disability.
The Infantry Board of 1878 adopted a haversack pattern that would continue in use into the 20th century. The bag was made of drab duck canvas with D-rings on the upper corners of the back (to attach a shoulder sling) and a 12 inch by 14 inch flap in front. Inside, the bag was divided into three compartments with a pocket on the front designed to hold the 1874 meat can. There was a utensil pocket on each side with a brown leather scabbard for the fork and another for the knife to protect the bag from damage.
This Haversack reads:
Co L 49 IA, VOL
J. GRUSENDORF
This haversack belonged to Private John H. Grusendorf, Jr. Private Grusendorf served with U.S. Army Company "L" , 49th Iowa volunteer Infantry. He was born on May 24, 1874
in Lyons, Clinton Col, Iowa and died on September 11, 1928, in Danville, Vermillion, Illinois at the age of 54.
M-1878 Blanket Bag
This rare item is an original M-1878 Blanket Bag. U.S. Issued as used from the 1870s up until the adoption of the M-1910 Series of accouterments was adopted. As used by all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces at that time, with an extended service life extending well over thirty years. Often seen used in conjunction with a blanket roll and haversack to carry equipment. This was the first model pack adopted following the Model 1858 “Double Bag” Knapsack used during the Civil War.
The original elkhide closure loops on the pack flap and inner pocket flap are still intact! There are no maker stamps or dates on this pack, which is not uncommon as these are usually a depot-made piece. This bag is stamped “U.S.” on the pack flap, and “Idaho” stamped on the inner corner of the main flap.
Original U.S. Army Model 1874 Utensil Set
(299973)
Model 1874 Contingency Utensil Set
(53075)
Prior to 1874, procurement of eating utensils (knife, fork, and spoon) was up to the individual soldier. On some occasions, such items were, purchased and distributed by a benevolent commander, purchased by company funds, or in the case of a volunteer regiment, contributed by a support organization at home. Such cases were, however, the exception rather than the norm.
In 1874 the Infantry Equipment Board recognized for the first time the need to issue field mess equipment to the soldier and recommended the knife, fork, and spoon manufactured by Lamson, Goodenew & Co. of New York. The report was approved and forwarded to the Chief of Ordnance on January 4, 1875.
National Guard units of the various states were, for the most part, not issued field mess equipment during peace time. At summer camps, meals were prepared in mess halls or catered so field mess kits owned by the states were kept in storage or in many cases never acquired at all.
During the mobilization of 1898 for the War with Spain the Quartermaster Corps purchased nonstandard utensils , as seen in these photographs of our knife, fork and spoon, in order to provide for the volunteer force. The items purchased were generally as close as possible to the Army pattern, but were not marked U.S.
Knives were made of cast iron in one piece with the blades polished and sharpened. If government issued, the letters U.S. were marked on the blade. This knife is a contingency utensil.
The fork is iron cast in one piece and the tines ground to shape. If government issued, it was marked U.S. or occasionally U.S.A. on the underside between the tines and the handle. This a contingency fork.
R. Wallace & Sons spoon circa 1895
Model 1874 U.S. Army Mess Spoon– Variant
Smaller than the standard Period US Army Issue M1874 Mess Spoon, but identical to the standard pattern.
The recognized Model 1874 Mess Spoon pattern was roughly the same length as the fork and knife, approximately 6 ½ - 7” long. These smaller versions, while having the identical embossed pattern as the larger spoons, are only 5 ½” long, like the smaller teaspoons in a normal silver service. There is no known record of the army’s use of this smaller version, however there is no doubt they were found in a context that ties them to the Frontier Army. Lightweight in construction like the standard issue tin spoons, they were no where near as strong as the Model 1874 Knife and Fork. As a result, the Mess spoon did not survive in the same numbers as the other two utensils.
These spoons were not marked with the U.S. stamp, as was common for all but the earliest production of the Model 1874 Spoons. Except for the size, these spoons are the exact pattern spoon chosen by the Ordnance Equipment Board in 1874.
This same pattern spoon is shown in a number of different references to include Ordnance Memoranda No. 19, Infantry Equipment 1874 and one of these spoons is photographed against the diagram plate of Ordnance Memoranda No. 19 which contains the line drawing of the utensils.
The variant spoon (top) as compared to the regulation issued size spoon (bottom)
Model 1890 Meat Can
(151009)
Model 1874 Mess Cup
(145133)
M1874 Condiment Ration Bags
As issued to each soldier to carry in his saddlebags or haversack to contain his ration of coffee, sugar and salt.
The Merriam Knapsack
(76444)
Here is a late 1890s Federal issue, box-style canvas Army pack known as the “Merriam Patented” knapsack invented by Co. Henry Clay Merriam.
This particular knapsack was issued to soldier #20, Company F, 14th regiment, New York National Guard. The pack was invented by Co. Henry Clay Merriam.
Here is what Private Charles Johnson Post of the 71st New York said about he Merriam Pack, (notice he mostly shows concern for how many bottles of whisky the pack and blanket would hold) "Every blanket atop the Merriam Pack had a quart of whisky rolled inside. In fact, the Merriam Pack seemed to be designed for just such an emergency. This infantryman’s accoutrement is about the size of a Civil War knapsack and would hold one quart bottle, plus space enough for socks, a shaving kit and a deck of cards. army blanket was formed into a long roll and laid across the top of pack and down each side. This blanket could accommodate three bottles, one atop and one each to port and starboard. The straps sewn to the pack would secure the blanket to the outside of box while ensuring every bottle was safe and well padded".
Beneath the Merriam pack were two exterior straps to hold a rolled up overcoat.
The average soldier disliked it and referred to it as The Murdering Knapsack. Issued mostly to New York State troops in the late 1890s, the pack is constructed of heavy duck canvas. The canvas cloth pack had four inner flaps that opened to access the interior. The Merriam pack had two long hickory sticks that fastened to the upper corners of the pack. Opposite ends of the sticks fitted into the end pockets of a half-belt and rested below the soldier’s kidneys when on the march. The army reasoned that this pack took the heavy load off the man’s shoulders.
Spanish-American War U.S. M1860 Staff & Field Officers Sword with Scabbard.
(407955)
Springfield Model 1884 "Trapdoor" Rifle
PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN WAR
FEBRUARY 4, 1899 TO JULY 2, 1902
The Philippine–American War, previously referred to as the Philippine Insurrection by the United States, was an armed conflict between the First Philippine Republic and the United States that lasted from February 4, 1899, to July 2, 1902. The conflict arose in 1898 when the United States, rather than acknowledging the Philippine's declaration of independence, annexed the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris it concluded with Spain to end the Spanish–American War.
U.S. Soldiers with a cannon during the Philippine-American War.
Philippine- American War
Model 1898 Haversack
U.S. Army Company "M", 4th Virginia Volunteer Infantry.
(55389)
The term haversack comes from the seventeenth century Low German word hafersach meaning “a cavalry trooper's bag for horse provender,” literally an oat sack. By the mid- eighteenth century the French were using the word havresac to mean “a single strapped bag worn over one shoulder and used for carrying rations.” This term came over into English with the same meaning.
This haversack belonging to U.S. Army Company "M", 4th Virginia Volunteer Infantry, was issued to soldier #40 on the roster at one point and later to soldier #65 on the roster. This haversack would have been made in 1898 just after the Spanish-American war ended.
The bacon bag, pictured below the haversack, would have been standard issue beginning with the Spanish American War. Bacon bags were issued as part of the haversack to carry the soldier’s bacon or meat ration. Serving as a buttoned-in inner bag and featuring two button holes on one side of the opening, these bacon bags could be taken out of the haversack and washed to remove the grease and food residue – one of the earlier attempts to solve the health and sanitation problems encountered by the 19th and early 20th Century soldier.
ABOUT THE 4TH VIRGINIA INFANTRY:
In 1898, the 4th Infantry went east and embarked from Tampa to Cuba on the steamer "Concho". Landing at Daiquiri, the regiment participated in the Battle of El Caney and the occupation of Santiago. Fever decimated the command and the campaign ended.
The 4th returned to New York in August 1898. Quickly recruited at Fort Sheridan, the regiment sailed in January 1899 for Manila via the Suez Canal.
In March 1899 the Infantry regiments were reorganized with twelve, rather than the traditional ten, line companies. The twelve companies were organized into three, four company battalions, each commanded by a Major.
The 4th Infantry, or units of it, participated in fights of La Loma church, Wariquima, Dismarinias, Imus, Puento Julien, and elsewhere in the Philippines, finally capturing Lt. General Trias, second in command to Aquinaldo.
The model 1898 haversack came about as a result of experience gained during the Spanish-American War. The haversack changed in 1898 to increase the size of the bag.
This canteen's markings indicate this was issued to soldier #86 on the roster of U.S. Army Company "C" of the 44th United States Volunteer Infantry.
(140738)
WORLD WAR I (THE GREAT WAR)
JULY 28, 1914-NOVEMBER 11, 1918
(THE U.S. ENTERED THE WAR ON APRIL 6, 1917)
78th "Lightning" Infantry Division Uniform-Pants and tunic
(303112)
The 78th Division of the United States Army was activated on 23 August 1917. It was transported to France in May and June 1918.
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In France during the summer and fall of 1918, it was the "point of the wedge" of the final offensive which knocked out Germany. The 78th was in three major campaigns during World War I – Meuse-Argonne, St. Mihiel, and Lorraine. Demobilization at the end of the war took place in June 1919.
M1917 "Brodie" Helmet-painted 78th Lightning Division
(150044)
The Brodie helmet is a steel combat helmet designed and patented in London in 1915 by John Leopold Brodie. A modified form of it became the Helmet, Steel, Mark I in Britain and the M1917 Helmet in the U.S.
This is a helmet that once belonged to a soldier from the 78th Lightning Infantry.
Canary in Cage
(75222)
Canaries where often used in the trenches as an early warning system for gas. Because of their small size, breathing rate and metabolism, they would succumb to the effects of gas quickly, giving soldiers time to put their gas masks on.
M1910 Trench Shovel
(207994)
No World War One exhibit would be complete without a M1910 Wood T-Handle Entrenching/Trench Shovel U.S. Army. This one is marked U.S. on the metal.
WWI Bugle
(154154)
The bugle was essential to all military communication until its displacement by electronics. The primary bugler was assigned to the headquarters staff, and kept close to the commander at the front. Soldiers were quick to learn the calls of the bugle, and on a routine day at least four, and as many as ten calls were made.
A bugle call is a short tune, originating as a military signal announcing scheduled and certain non-scheduled events on a military installation, battlefield, or ship. Historically, bugles, drums, and other loud musical instruments were used for clear communication in the noise and confusion of a battlefield.
Bacon Can Model 1916
(25010)
and M-1910 Condiment Can
(41911)
Both are tinned-iron cans. The 1916 was used for bacon or salted meats. The purpose of the M-1910 condiment can was to hold coffee, sugar and salt. Most of the condiment cans were not marked.
Trench Periscope
(160311)
The trench periscope was used by soldiers during the First World War to observe the ground in front of their trenches and fortifications, without taking the risk of raising their eyes above the parapet and creating a target for enemy snipers.
WWI Field Mess Kit
(51009)
U. S. Army Model M-1918 mess kit including M-1910 utensils.
"The Mess Kit" - A former staple of the U.S. Military and often used by campers and survivalists. It is no longer an issued part of the Military Issued Field Gear because of the "Meal Ready to Eat" aka, the MRE.
The U.S. Military Mess Kit retained a similar design from WWI to Vietnam - a deeper "pan" bottom & a shallower lid that doubles as a plate. The lid fits on top of the bottom where the pan handle can be folded over to hold both pieces together.
WWI Model 1918 Canteen, Cover and Cup
(61299)
During WWI, with increased demand for canteens the U.S. Military contracted with a number of manufacturers to make these, including the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Company (AGM). This canteen was manufactured by AGM Co. in 1918.The metal canteen cup was part of the original M1910 canteen set consisting of the canteen itself, cup, and cloth cover. While the handle design of the cup has changed, little else is different after a century of service.
“GAS"
This lone word could strike fear and panic into the most stoic doughboy in the American sector of the Western Front.
Gas Mask with Bag and Instruction Card
(276440)
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By the time that the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) arrived in France, the use of poison gas was commonplace by the Allies and Central Powers alike. By war’s end, an estimated 1.2 million gas casualties had been suffered on all sides – over 90,000 of these were fatal.
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Chemical warfare using chloride gas was first released by German troops on April 22, 1915, killing 1,100 Allied soldiers and injuring an unknown number of others. An eyewitness account described the impact as "a burning sensation in the head, red-hot needles in the lungs, the throat seized as by a strangler." By the time the U.S. entered the war, gas masks such as this one had been developed with chemical absorbents that limited the impact of chloride gas.
Trench Rattle-Gas Alarm
(87777)
Soldiers developed several ways to warn their fellow doughboys of inbound gas. Whenever the hiss of a gas cylinder or explosion of a shell was heard, a lookout would yell “gas!” to everyone in earshot. To communicate the warning up and down the lines, everything from church bells to air horns was used. Eventually, the men found that klaxon horns and wooden alarm rattles worked best. Alarm rattles were preferable because they were lightweight, easy to carry, and had a simple design. The rattle worked by whirling the device overhead, which caused a loud whirring sound.
M1917 Camp Telephone EE-3 with Morse Code Keyer
(500123)
The M1917 field phone (also known as the camp phone) issued during world war one, saw the introduction of modern communication to the battlefield for the first time. One special feature of this phone is the telegraph device located inside the box. Due to the nature of trench warfare, the telephone portion of this unit would be rendered useless with the background noise of bombs exploding. The telegraph feature allowed for troops in the trenches to signal the receiver without having to try to talk over the noise.
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New York Times dated April 3, 1917
WW1 Field Shaving Kit
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U.S. Army WWI Field shaving kit by AutoStrop. Issued to U.S Doughboys during late WWI this Field kit is still in super condition and complete, including its mirror. To the right is an original magazine advertisement.
(103370)
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The Cootie Game
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By the James R. Irvin & Co., Inc. around 1915:
This game depicts a battlefield scene with soldiers in trenches, airplanes, and a firing cannon. Enclosed are capsules meant to represent cooties. The object of the game is to get the "cooties" inside of the pen which is a metal slot at the bottom.
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The word first appeared during World War I as soldiers’ slang for the painful body lice that infested the trenches.
(29291)
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WWI Dog Tags belonging to Charles Ashton
(72072)
"Letters to Mom"
WWI Army Binoculars
(103900)
American Red Cross
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During World War I, the American Red Cross experienced significant growth, going from some 100 local chapters in 1914 to more than 3,800 chapters four years later. The Red Cross recruited 20,000 nurses for military service and provided support for U.S. and Allied troops as well as civilian refugees. National Red Cross societies played a very important role in the first world war. They supported armies’ medical services, brought relief to prisoners of war and sometimes organized their repatriation, and helped the civilian populations.
(49033)
Music and the First World War
An issue of the Independent-Harper’s Weekly from October 28, 1918 describes the gramophone as a cherished companion of soldiers and sailors, playing a few records from home repeatedly to alleviate boredom and terror. Indeed, demand for records was great that the U.S. National Records Recruiting Corps organized citizen committees to send their records from October 28 to November 2, 1918 designated as “slacker record week".
1908 Edison Gramophone
(2003878)
While the United States did not enter WWI until 1917, soldiers and civilians from all across the world were already using music as a form of propaganda. Soldiers would sing songs in the trenches or while marching to keep their spirits up, and many times on the Western Front, marching bands would accompany the troops. Not only was music used to boost morale, it was also used as a sneaky way of complaining about the war and the conditions they were currently in.
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Decca Ad
By 1915, British soldiers were bringing portable gramophones to the front for entertainment and solace in the trenches. An advertisement from Decca attests that it was “light, compact, and portable” with the header reading “A Gift from Home!” Similarly, the Edison Company invented the Army and Navy Model in 1917 after receiving a request from the United States Army Depot Quartermaster in New York to create portable machines for the soldiers. Selling at $60 a unit, the new model was being purchased by soldiers to take them overseas to the trenches along with recordings of music or loved ones. The war model was discontinued after the war.
Edison Model A Standard Cylinder Disc Phonograph
(C. 1905)
(410987)
The phonograph was developed as a result of Thomas Edison's work on two other inventions, the telegraph and the telephone. In 1877, Edison was working on a machine that would transcribe telegraphic messages through indentations on paper tape, which could later be sent over the telegraph repeatedly. This development led Edison to speculate that a telephone message could also be recorded in a similar fashion. He experimented with a diaphragm which had an embossing point and was held against rapidly-moving paraffin paper. The speaking vibrations made indentations in the paper. Edison later changed the paper to a metal cylinder with tin foil wrapped around it.
Edison Wax Cylinder Record
Commonly known simply as "records" in their era of greatest popularity (c. 1896–1915), these hollow cylindrical objects have an audio recording engraved on the outside surface, which can be reproduced when they are played on a mechanical cylinder phonograph.
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Below, you can listen to this Edison 2 minute wax cylinder record #9600, 'It's Great To Be A Soldier Man" performed by tenor Byron G. Harlan, circa May 1907.
Soldiers gathered around a gramophone
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Commenting on Siegfried Sassoon’s poem Dead Musicians III, Watkins writes: … “the phonograph was capable of momentarily recapturing or, more properly, of forever “freezing” the memories of former buddies. But when the recording came to its conclusion, breaking off with the swooshing sound of a needle tracking an empty groove, reality set in: a time gone by was lost forever, and so were friends. Nostalgia, and even ragtime, could go only so far.”
A gramophone commands troops
By 1915, the phonograph was used in the British military to instill patriotism in volunteers and as a recruiting device. This surviving picture shows a gramophone being used to command soldiers at a display drill.
"Over There" Sheet Music
"Over There" is a 1917 song written by George M. Cohan that was popular with the United States military and public during both world wars. It is a patriotic song designed to galvanize American young men to enlist and fight the "Hun". The song is best remembered for a line in its chorus: "The Yanks are coming."
Cohan wrote it after he had learned that the US had abandoned their policy of non-interventionism and planned to enter World War I on the side of the Allied Powers. It has been revived on various occasions during and after World War II. It was not heavily used during the Vietnam War, but has been used since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
WORLD WAR TWO
SEPTEMBER 1, 1939-SEPTEMBER 2, 1945
The U.S. entered the war on December 7th, 1941, after the Empire of Japan attacked the American Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
FDR "Infamy" Speech
WWII Army Field Uniform
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Trench/Rope Lighter
(31911)
This was typically used for lighting cigarettes which do not require a flame. Once an ember is generated, it is windproof, and is extinguished by retracting the cord back inside the tube and an attached lid snuffs it out. This flame-less feature made it somewhat covert and was often used during WWII.
This uniform features the iconic M1 helmet with liner, M1943/M43 field cotton OD pants with the M1943/M43 field jacket, M1937 wool uniform field shirt and M43 double buckle combat boots.Belt with canteen, Thompson submachine gun .45 ammo pouches, M1911 ammo pouch and M1944 suspenders.
(745545)
TP-9/TA-264/PT Amplified field telephone
(181359)
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Developed in the early 1940's during WWII to address an issue with the transmission range of standard field telephones over field wire. The TP-9 portable telephone was equipped with a transmitting and receiving amplifier to increase operating range. Transmission is in one direction at a time, controlled by a push to talk switch in the handset handle.
SCR-536 (BC-611) "Handie-Talkie"
(451632)
The SCR 536 (BC-611) was a 2-Way radio set commonly used by United States armed forces during World War II.
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The SCR 536 Handie-Talkie, was designed for amplitude-modulated, two-way communication over short distances, and was intended mainly for use by foot combat troops. The designation SCR 536 refers to the Radio Set, and BC-611 refers to the Radio Receiver and Transmitter inside the sets.
There was confusion in the general public between the names Handy-Talkie and the Walkie-Talkie. The Walkie-Talkie was carried on the back of a soldier and was larger and more powerful than the Handy-Talkie, which could be carried in one hand.
Pigeons of War
U.S. Army PG-102/CB Two Pigeon Transport Carrier (225676) with Message Books (39144) and PG-67 Signal Corps Pigeon Message Holder (85203)
Homing pigeons served the AAF very capably and valiantly during World War II. They transmitted countless messages within numerous theaters of operation and, as a result, contributed much to the Allied war effort. During this war, 32 pigeons were decorated with the Dickin Medal. This award, created by the British organization, People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), was granted to any animal displaying gallantry under fire. The U.S. Army Pigeon Service’s homing pigeon, G.I. Joe, received this medal for successfully delivering a life-saving message during combat conditions in Italy in October 1943.
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In October 1918, approximately 500 men of the U.S. Army 77th Infantry Division were trapped behind enemy lines after an attack on German forces in the Argonne Forest. They became surrounded by German forces and were receiving friendly fire from Allies unaware of their position. Communication was difficult, as the messenger dispatchers became lost or ran into German patrols. Carrier pigeons became the only method of communicating with their headquarters. After two pigeons were shot down, Major Charles Whittlesey sent his last bird, Cher Ami, with the message: "WE ARE ALONG THE ROAD PARALLEL 276.4. OUR ARTILLERY IS DROPPING A BARRAGE DIRECTLY ON US. FOR HEAVENS SAKE STOP IT". Despite being wounded, Cher Ami flew the 25 miles back to headquarters in 25 minutes, saving the lives of the 194 survivors.
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Field Telephone Switchboard BD-71
(592050)
The U.S. Army BD-71 Switchboard was used during World War II and Korean Wars by many units for field or camp communications. The devices had six line capabilities that allowed direct line communications through the use of field telephones.
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U.S. Army Signal Corps BD-72 Switchboard
(807991)
This is the 12 channel version of the BD switchboard. This switchboard makes numerous appearances in the TV show M.A.S.H.
WW2 SCR-300-A/BC-1000-A Backpack Transceiver
(1550019)
Although a relatively large backpack-carried radio, the SCR-300 was described as "primarily intended as a walkie-talkie for foot combat troops", and so the term "walkie-talkie" first came into use.
The SCR-300 saw action in the Pacific Theater, beginning in New Georgia in August 1943.
The SCR-300 saw heavy use in the Normandy invasion and the Italian campaign. It also became "key equipment" that helped deter confusion in the Battle of the Bulge.
BG-150-A Accessory Bag with TS-15 Handset and AN-131-A Antenna
This photo shows the top of the BC-1000 Radio
Headset HS-30
The EE-8 Field Telephone-Leather Case
(103089)
The EE-8 field telephone was used by the U.S. Military from 1935 into the Vietnam War. It used a wired line with a maximum transmission distance of 7 miles. The EE-8 uses D cell batteries to power the electric signal that carries the signal through the wire to the other phone. It has a hand-cranked dynamo to generate the charge that rings the phone on the other end of the line. The case is leather, with fabric insulation covering the cord for the receiver.
The EE-8 Field Telephone-Canvass Case
(103090)
This version of the EE-8 Field telephone is housed in a canvass case. It was discovered that the leather case did not hold up so good in inclement weather, so the case material was changed.
Morse Code
Samuel Morse
Joseph Henry
Alfred Vail
The American artist Samuel Morse, the American physicist Joseph Henry, and mechanical engineer Alfred Vail developed an electrical telegraph system. It needed a method to transmit natural language using only electrical pulses and the silence between them. Around 1837, Morse therefore developed an early forerunner to the modern International Morse code.
The Morse system for telegraphy, which was first used in about 1844, was designed to make indentations on a paper tape when electric currents were received. Morse code played an integral part in WWII.
TG-5-A Field Telegraph Set 1941
(330711)
TG-5-B Field Telegraph Set 1943
(301712)
These telegraphs have a 1khz hum, or tone, not a clatter, as railroad telegraphs do. The military and most of the world used International Morse code, which was adopted in 1912. There was American Morse code as well, which was the original Morse Code.
The telegraph in general had a distinct advantage over voice communication. Whereas a telephone operated with a fixed voltage, the voltage of telegraphs such as this one could be increased to compensate for poor wires or a longer distance. Second, interference had less effect on a (digital) telegraph signal than on (analog) voice communication.
The TG-5 telegraphs have an interesting feature - In normal use a tone is heard in the headset; if the headset jack is removed from the plug, the bell rings in place of the headset tone. These units operate using a BA-2 battery (35777). Each unit was issued with a CS-49-A canvass carrying bag (35353)
In order to bring some authenticity to our TG-5 telegraph exhibits we have recreated three versions of the BA-2 dry cell battery, one by the Burgess Battery Company and the other by Ray-O-Vac. These reproductions are now available for purchase on eBay or Facebook Marketplace!
A photo of the original BA-2 by the Burgess Battery Company-1942.
Photo of original BA-2 by General Dry Batteries, Inc-1941
Providence Military Museum's reproductions
Providence Military Museum's reproduction
Sending a message using the TG-5-A Telegraph
RM-39 Remote with BD-71 Switchboard
Here we have displayed an RM-39 remote control unit (with a T-17 microphone, an HS-30 headset (32070) along with a J-37 straight telegraph keyer. The keyer is attached to a J-45 leg clamp.
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Also seen here is the WWII Harringbone Twill (HBT) uniform shirt (70811). This uniform saw service in all theaters of operation in WWII, with most notably in the Pacific and in the European theaters. From Luzon to the Beaches of Normandy, the cotton HBT was very practical and comfortable.
J-37 Straight Telegraph Keyer
(64010)
The J-37 telegraph key served with the U.S. military during WWII, the Korean War, and through-out the Vietnam era. The J-37 key was the real workhorse during those years and carried the bulk of the action. The J-37 key has been built into many numerous and different configurations with the addition of different bases. The J-45 leg clamp, later designated as the KY-116/U (in accordance with the new Army Navy nomenclature system).
WWII U.S. Army Signal Corps TG-34-A
Morse Code Keyer
(290708)
This U.S. Army Signal Corps keyer was used to train radio operators in Morse Code. A paper tape with ink marked dots and dashes ran over a photocell and oscillator to produce audio dots and dashes. We are honored to be able to display an extremely rare 15 tape catalog of training reels (303927) as well the original power cord, training manual TM 11-443 and the original spare parts box located inside the unit.
Our working TG-34-A Morse Code Keyer is sounding just like it did in 1943, thanks to Dennis at www.electromania.com
Fishing Kit
(99100)
MK 2 Hand Grenade (Training/Inert)
(18566)
U.S. Army Signal Corps Remote Control Radio Unit RM-39
(131407)
Similar to a survival fishing kit, these were loaned to soldiers in the tropics as a recreational item, allowing them to go out and supplement their rations with fresh fish from either salt or fresh water. At the end of the day they were
to return it to the Special Services personnel so that it could be loaned to someone else. The OD cloth pouch has four pockets. A complete kits contain: hand net, hand line with leader, hand line with leader & lure, small harpoon, tube with spoon lure, hooks and sinkers.
The Mk 2 grenade is a fragmentation
type anti-personnel hand grenade introduced by the U.S. armed forces in 1918. It was the standard issue anti-personnel grenade used during World War II, and also
saw limited service in later
conflicts, including the Korean War and Vietnam War. Replacing
the failed Mk 1 grenade of 1917,
it was standardized in 1920 as the
Mk II, and redesignated the Mk 2
on April 2, 1945.
The RM-39 provides remote control voice operation of Radio Sets SCR-178, SCR-284, SCR-299, SCR-608, SCR-609, SCR-610, and SCR-628. The unit operates in conjunction with Telephone EE-8 over a two-wire telephone line. The operational positions are selected by Switch SW-185 on the front panel of the remote control unit. The positions on the switch are marked RADIO, THROUGH, and TELEPHONE.
The Axis Powers
Japanese Rising Sun Flag-Left (125533) and Good Luck Flag-Right
(125534)
The Rising Sun flag is a Japanese flag that consists of a red disc and sixteen red rays emanating from the disc. Like the Japanese national flag, the Rising Sun flag symbolizes the sun. On the left is an example of the Japanese Navy flag, with the sun moved to the left side, where the standard Rising Sun flag will have the sun on the center.
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The Good Luck Flag was a traditional gift for Japanese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the Empire of Japan, most notably during World War II. The flag was typically a national flag signed by friends and family, often with short messages wishing the soldier victory, safety and good luck.
Simulated Atomic Bomb Explosion
This is a model of an atomic bomb explosion similar to the explosions that occurred as a result of the deployment of atom bombs on Japan in 1945. Also pictured are models of the two bombs dropped. Nick named "Little Boy" and "Fat Man", the bombs were dropped on August 6th and August 9th of 1945, resulting in Japan's unconditional surrender.
The unconditional surrender of the German Third Reich several months earlier was signed in the early morning hours of Monday, May 7, 1945, at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) at Reims in northeastern France.
WWII Type 90 Imperial Japanese Army Steel Helmet
(260341)
The type 90 helmet was adapted by the Japanese Army in 1932 and was the standard combat helmet during WWII Helmets bearing the five pointed star were used by the Imperial Japanese Army.
The Parksville Sentinel
December 8, 1941
WWII Imperial Japanese Army Uniforms
(First Class Private).
Winter wool uniform (left) the tunic is a type 3 made in 1944 and the trousers are type 98 made in 1943 (450100).
On the right is the Pacific summer uniform (451100)
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Displayed here is a cotton summer uniform and a wool winter uniform (303101). This soldier is holding an original 1943 type 99, series 1, Arisaka rifle (810324) made at the Nagoya factory in Japan. This rifle retains the Chrysanthemum, or "mum" stamp on top of the receiver, signifying the rifle was made for the Imperial Japanese Army. The Chrysanthemum, or mum, is the symbol of the Japanese Emperor.
It is said that to save face, Japanese soldiers who surrendered after the war would grind the symbol off their rifle. Many of these rifles found today, have that symbol ground off.
Attached to the rifle is an original type 30 bayonet (151477). The ammo pouches here are perfect reproductions (50870) . On the table is an original Arisaka type 99 Anti-Aircraft rear sight (125912) found on early versions of the rifle. Also displayed is pre-WW2 era Paper "Victory" fan. (75229)
Arisaka type 99 rifles were produced from 1941-1945
Imperial Japanese Army Type 30 hooked quillon bayonet and scabbard. Introduced in 1897, this was the primary bayonet used by the Japanese during WWII. Our bayonet was manufactured at the Koishikawa Arsenal in Tokyo.
(152000)
Intact Mum stamp
The mum's placement on the rifle meant that it was the Emperor's property, and it was being bestowed by this divine figure to the average Japanese soldier to fight with in his honor. This symbol was very important to the Japanese, enough so that when early rifles such as Type 38's were sold to other countries or taken out of Army service, the mum was defaced in some way in order to make it no longer the Emperor's property.
Filed off Mum stamp
At the end of World War II, millions of Arisaka's were given to U.S. Armed Service members as souvenirs. While it is unknown for sure who ordered the process, at some point during the occupation, surrendered Japanese rifles began to have their mum's defaced in a very organized effort. Given the history of the mum and the Japanese people, as well as their efforts to deface mums on rifles sold out of service pre-World War II, it is clear that the Japanese would not want U.S. Service members taking home rifles with intact mums.
Japanese Army Sake bottle and Sake cup.
(51061)
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Sake is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Sake cups were used by soldiers in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Such sake cups were commissioned by the soldiers themselves and each had its own colors and designs, such as the flag of Imperial Japan. Some of these sake cups would also have the names of the owner and regiment inscribed, thus providing an insight into the background of the soldier who once drank a toast with these cups.
WW2 Imperial Japanese Army canteen with Kanji inscription.
(155050)
Imperial Japanese Army
"Showa Model 14 Model of 1939"
Musette Bag
(61045)
Also known as the Type 1940 Bread Bag, an update log found for the bread bag spec sheet from August 1943, dates the spec sheet revision as September 4th, 1940, which is why it is also referred to as the Type 1940. This was one of the earliest cases of switching from buckles to tie strings, as supplies were getting tight for the Japanese military. This bag is from around mid to late war. The bottom right photo shows a government issue inspection stamp.
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Original Japanese WWII Type 92 Field Phone
(201003)
Very similar to the U.S. field phones, the Japanese model 92 came in several varieties, basically consisting of minor differences in construction. Like the American field phones, this one operates by cranking a handle causing three magnets to generate an electrical current. This current causes the next field phone to ring when connected with communications wire. To speak and hear using the mouth and earpiece, a 3 volt battery charge is required.
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8mm News Reel "JAPANS SURRENDER"
German "Kriegsmarine" Naval Battle Flag-likely from a German U-Boat.
(304021)
Original Nazi Party Third Reich NSDAP (National Socialist German Workers' Party) Armband
(110330)
Captured NSDAP Banner
(500500)
Original WWII German NSDAP building banner / flag purportedly captured by US soldier Charles Starr.
This is the type of banner that would have been hung from official government buildings. Given the high quality of construction on this example, it was likely hung somewhere significant. The soldier acquired the banner from a building as he entered Germany in 1945. This is a medium sized banner at 72 inches long x 44 inches wide.
Background:
This flag came into use initially as the banner of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) after its foundation. Following the appointment of Adolf Hitler as Chancellor in 1933, this flag was adopted as one of the nation's dual national flags, the other being the black-white-red triband of the German Empire.
Nazi Tank ID Flag
(355090)
These photographs depict the manner in which the tank ID flag would have been used by the Germans during the war.
Third Reich Coins
(31005)
Showcase Artifacts
The Iconic Thompson Submachine Gun and the Colt 1911 .45 Caliber Pistol (Replicas)
8mm News Reel showing in the museum
WWII M2A2 U.S. Army Service Gas Mask with Hose and MIXA1 Service Cannister
(130489)
.jpg)
SCR-625-H Mine Detector Kit
The SCR-625-H Mine Detector is a WWII metal detector (165301) developed to detect metallic anti-tank mines. This model used a back mounted amplifier in a bag with a separate control box that attaches to the belt of the user. The red "MINEFIELD" sign is a reproduction.
(40399)
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The SCR-625-H consists of a detector head, amplifier, control box, loudspeaker, arm rest, box of spare bulbs, 4 handle parts and a case.
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The entire detector set weighed 7.5 pounds and produced a low hum in the operator’s earphones. The SCR-625 discerned metallic mines 6 to 12 inches below the surface, rather than the desired 18 inches, but was acceptable because few mines were ever buried more than 12 inches below ground.
The SCR-625 Mine Detector has a characteristic shape that has become quite familiar. It had a six foot long exploring rod that the operator held. At the end of the rod was a pie shaped search coil, mounted under an 18 inch diameter wooden disk. Strapped to the operator’s side in a canvas haversack were the dry-cell batteries that induced a magnetic field around the search plate and amplifier. The resonator was attached to the operator’s shoulder. A set of earphones completed the instrument.
Mine detector search plate
WWII Tank Mine Crate
(150350)
HISTORY OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE
The Air Force wasn't always the Air Force! Here's how it started.
"The Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps"
01 August,1907-18 July, 1914
The Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps" was the first heavier-than-air military aviation organization in history and was the original United States Air Force. A component of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the Aeronautical Division procured the first powered military aircraft in 1909, created schools to train its aviators, and initiated a rating system for pilot qualifications. It organized and deployed the first permanent American aviation unit, the 1st Aero Squadron, in 1913. The Aeronautical Division trained 51 officers and 2 enlisted men as pilots, and incurred 13 fatalities in air crashes. During this period, the Aeronautical Division had 29 factory-built aircraft in its inventory, built a 30th from spare parts, and leased a civilian airplane for a short period in 1911.
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"The Aviation Section, Signal Corps"
18 July, 1914-20 May, 1918
The Aviation Section, Signal Corps, was the aerial warfare service of the United States from and a direct statutory ancestor of the United States Air Force. It absorbed and replaced the Aeronautical Division, Signal Corps in 1914 , and conducted the activities of Army aviation until its statutory responsibilities were suspended by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918. The Aviation Section organized the first squadrons of the aviation arm and conducted the first military operations by United States aviation on foreign soil.
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"The Division of Military Aeronautics"
20 May, 1918-24 May, 1918
The Division of Military Aeronautics was the name of the aviation organization of the United States Army for a four-day period during World War I. It was created by a reorganization by the War Department of the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps on April 24, 1918, still as part of the Signal Corps. It was removed from the Aviation Section by executive order on May 20, 1918, and existed as the sole Army aviation agency until a War Department general order issued May 24, 1918, established it and the Bureau of Aircraft Production, created by the same reorganization on April 24, as coordinate components of the "Air Service". As such, it is recognized by the United States Air Force as the third of its antecedents.
As a subordinate component of the Air Service, the DMA continued until March 19, 1919, when the Board of Aircraft Production was consolidated with it into the Air Service, United States Army.
"The United States Army Air Service"
24 May,1918-02 July, 1926
The United States Army Air Service (USAAS) (also known as the "Air Service", "U.S. Air Service" and before its legislative establishment in 1920, the "Air Service, United States Army") was the aerial warfare service component of the United States Army between 1918 and 1926 and a forerunner of the United States Air Force. It was established as an independent but temporary branch of the U.S. War Department during World War I by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation Section, Signal Corps as the nation's air force; and March 19, 1919, establishing a military Director of Air Service to control all aviation activities. Its life was extended for another year in July 1919.
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"United States Army Air Corps"
02 July, 1926-20 June, 1941
On 2 July 1926, the United States Army Air Service, part of the larger United States Army, was renamed the United States Army Air Corps.
"The United States Army Air Forces"
20 June, 1941-17 September, 1947
The Air Corps became the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) on 20 June 1941, giving it greater autonomy from the Army's middle-level command structure.
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"The United States Air Force"
17 September, 1947-Present Day
On 18 September 1947, the USAAF was legally abolished by legislation, establishing the Department of the United States Air Force.
PT-19 Tail Rudder and Stabilizer
Our PT-19 tail rudder and stabilizer have been painted and artwork applied for aesthetic reasons.
(1200999)
Officer's jacket 9th U.S. Army Air Force (Aviator) with ribbons (L) American Defense with star (C) American Campaign and (R) European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign medal with one star.
WW2 "Pinks and Greens"-Captain
8th U.S. Army Air Force Pilot Uniform
(398929)
WW2 U.S. Army Air Forces Aviators Kit Bag AN-6505
Fairchild PT-19 Primary Trainer Plane
The Fairchild PT-19 (company designation Fairchild M62) is an American Fairchild Aircraft monoplane primary trainer aircraft that served with the United States Army Air Forces, RAF and RCAF during World War II. It was used by the USAAF during Primary Flying Training. As with other USAAF trainers of the period, the PT-19 had multiple designation(s) based on the powerplant installed.
PT-19
The PT-19 series was developed from the Fairchild M-62 when the USAAC first ordered the aircraft in 1940 as part of its expansion program. The cantilever low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear and tailwheel design was based on a two-place, tandem-seat, open cockpit arrangement. The simple but rugged construction included a fabric covered welded steel tube fuselage. The remainder off the aircraft used plywood contraction, with a plywood-sheathed center section, outer wing panels and tail assembly.
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PT-19
Compared to the earlier biplane trainers, the Fairchild PT-19 provided a more advanced type of aircraft. Speeds were higher and wing loading more closely approximated that of combat aircraft, with flight characteristics demanding more precision and care. Its virtues were that it was inexpensive, simple to maintain and, most of all, virtually viceless. The PT-19 truly lived up to its nickname, the Cradle of Heroes. It was one of a handful of primary trainer designs that were the first stop on a cadet's way to becoming a combat pilot.
These planes were delivered to various bases all over the country by WASPs (Women's Airforce Service Pilots) between 1942-1944.
WW2 Aviation Mechanic
"The airplane mechanic does the groundwork that inspires little poetry and less song, but his is the exacting responsibility of keeping the planes aloft on their mission of vic-tory. Through his labors and devotion he is in the midst of every conflict. He answers his country's call to the colors in a fighting spirit and, in the performance of his arduous duties, he lifts our nation to new glory as the American Eagle spreads winning wings to a greater destiny".
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Clayton Rand
WW2 Aviation Mechanic Uniform
This uniform features an early war U.S. Army Air Force D-1 Sherling leather jacket (depot refurbished sometime after 1943), B-1 leather trousers, a pair of HBT army M43 coveralls with 13 star buttons, a standard army M1937 wool shirt, and an A-3 HBT mechanics long bill cap. He is holding a Plomb WF-84 wrench.
U.S. Army Air Forces D-1 Aviation Mechanics Jacket
(712009)
Army Air Forces B-1 Leather Trousers
(98331)
B-2 Shearling/Leather Cap
Designated "Type D-1 Mechanics Shearling Jacket", and the matching B-1 leather trousers. The D-1 jacket came into service with the Air Corp in the mid 1930's.
The D-1 was a simple lightweight shearling jacket originally intended for use by USAAF ground crew personnel working in cold weather conditions. Because it was light weight and well designed, U.S. fliers began to use this jacket on summer missions. Some models had pockets and some did not. The D-1 quickly became a popular, if unofficial, addition to a pilot's kit. The shearling wool and tough leather exterior made this a very practical flying jacket. Similar to the shearling flight clothing the D-1 was made and issued as a two-piece suit - its companion bottom half being the B-1 trousers. The B-2 shearling/leather cap was a common piece of head gear worn by mechanics, particularly during the winter months, and was known for its practicality and warmth. ​The B-2 cap is considered an iconic piece of WWII military attire.
Known makers of the B-2 cap include Perry Sportswear, Rough Wear Clothing, Shaw-Barton and Werber Sportswear.
WW2 M1937 Standard Wool Field Shirt
(35312)
USAAF A-3 'Long Bill" Aviation Mechanics Cap
(170744)
Among the most distinctive and popular items worn by USAAF mechanics and other ground-crews during WW2 was the A-3 cap. Made of green HBT along the lines of contemporary ball-caps, the A-3 was seen in every theatre where there was a USAAF presence. Typically worn with its bill pushed up, along with the "Beanie" or "Jeep cap" it remains one of the most iconic items of WW2 GI headgear.
WW2 M-43 HBT Coverall Work Suit
(161010)
The HBT OD M1943 Second Pattern one piece suit has metal buttons with 13 stars. These coveralls were issued to Army Mechanics, Army Air Force Mechanics, Paratroopers and Cavalry during the war.
B-2 Mechanics Apron
The WW2 B-2 mechanic's apron was a heavy-duty apron worn by mechanics. It was designed to protect them from grease, oil, and other contaminants while working on the aircraft's complex machinery; it was typically made with large pockets to hold tools and featured a sturdy design to withstand the demands of working on a large, intricate aircraft. Incredibly, our apron has the original box.
WW2 U.S. Army Air Force B-2 Apprentice Mechanic Tool Pouch
(41737)
During WW2, Plomb Tools produced the "WF" series of tools for a major government contract between 1942-1945. The WF indicated Wright Field (Now Wright Patterson Air Force Base).
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11/16-5/8 Twelve Point Box End Wrench WF-82
(15001)
7/16 Open End Ignition Wrench WF-102
(10972)
11/32 Open End Ignition Wrench WF-100A
(11972)
7/8 and 13/16 Twelve Point Box End Wrench WF-84
(20972)
WWII Army Air Forces "Ike" Jacket and Cap-Enlisted-20th Army Air Force
(149111)
Simulated WWII Submarine
Though this exhibit is no longer available (but we would like to rebuild it in the future) we hope that this gave our guests an idea of what it might have been like inside a submarine during the war. All the contents of the submarine are genuine U.S. Navy, including all gauges and communications devices (but not necessarily WWII era). The hatch, speaker and radar/sonar plotting board are from the USS Sampson, acquired after an upgrade.
NEW! Simulated WWII Submarine
WWII Navy "E.H. Scott Radio" Morale Receiver SLR-M
The Scott is a fine example of radios built to Low Radiation standards. During WWII, fears of submarines being able to home in on radio signals emitted by a receiver resulted in well-shielded receivers built to significantly reduce signal emission.
Another more real concern was to avoid interference with sensitive on-board direction-finding equipment.
The SLRM was used both by the Navy and later aboard civilian craft. The main difference between the Navy and civilian version is the nomenclature plate.
Below you can listen to a Nazi propaganda radio broadcast from "Axis Sally", as it's broadcast over our SLR-M radio.
"Axis Sally"-An American Traitor
Mildred Gillars, known as Axis Sally, was an American citizen who was a radio propagandist for the Nazi government during World War II.
Gillars was an aspiring actress who played minor parts in some American theatrical touring companies. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University but left in 1922. In 1929 she traveled to North Africa, with the intention of going on to Europe. In 1934 she arrived in Germany to study music in Dresden.
During World War II her voice became known to many thousands of U.S. servicemen who heard her on short-wave radio, playing nostalgic American songs and speculating about the fidelity of the wives and sweethearts whom the soldiers, sailors, and airmen had left behind in the United States.
Just before the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944, Axis Sally (an American appellation; she introduced herself in her sultry voice simply as “Sally”) broadcast a demoralizing and exaggerated account of the horrors awaiting any Allied soldiers foolhardy enough to invade Adolf Hitler’s Fortress Europe.
In 1946 a U.S. counterintelligence agent spotted Mildred Gillars in Berlin. Eventually she was brought back to the United States, indicted on 10 counts of treason (1947), and convicted on one of them (1949), the preinvasion broadcast, tape recordings of which were played at her trial. She was fined $10,000 and was sentenced to imprisonment for 10 to 30 years. She was paroled after 12 years in 1961.
WW2 Battleship/Submarine Lanterns- Type K
Made by DELTA (left) and AMPCO (American Metal Product Company) for U.S. Navy battleships and submarines
(199000)
WW2 U.S. Navy WAVES
(Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service)
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Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service “WAVES” was the US Naval Reserve Women’s branch established on July 21, 1942. The branch was established to replace men stationed ashore to provide more sea duty sailors and officers. By the end of 1942, there were 770 WAVES Officers and 3,109 enlisted. In 1945 these numbers had grown to 8,475 officers and 73,816 enlisted. Following the War, many WAVES were demobilized, however the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948 was signed into law allowing women to serve in the regular Navy. The term WAVES continued in usage for Navy women unitl the 1970’s. The WAVES uniforms were custom designed by Main Bocher, the famous fashion designer.
Complete U.S.Navy WAVES Blue Service Uniform
(625040)
The Navy WAVES Anchor and Rope pin worn on the Garrison cap.
WW2 Navy WAVES original dog tags belonging to Eunice Elton
U.S. Navy WAVES Jacket
(101040)
U.S. Navy WAVES Skirt
(102050)
U.S. Navy WAVES Overseas Cap-Named to Angelina Scardamaglia
(103040)
Photographs of Angelina Scardamaglia
U.S. Navy Undress White "A" Service Uniform
Aviation Metalsmith (1921-1948) Petty Officer 3rd Class Aviation Mechanic
A white cotton "Dixie Cup" hat, jumper, and trouser combo worn by enlisted men in warm and tropical climates. This was a general duty working uniform. This jumper belonged to an Aviation Metalsmith (which later evolved into the current Aviation Structural Mechanic). Aviation Metalsmiths performed daily inspections on aircraft, airframes, and components, maintaining optimum performance for naval aviators during World War II. The trousers were button fly and oof traditional design. No neckerchief was worn with this uniform.
U.S. Navy Dress Blues "A"
Service Uniform-Sonarman
A four-piece woolen uniform worn by enlisted Men for dress wear. The pieces included a cap, jumper, neckerchief, and trousers. The jumper had finished cuffs with white piping as well as a back flap that had the same white piping along its border. These features set it apart from the blue undress jumper. The blue trousers had the traditional 13-button broadfall front opening, a lace up back to adjust for size, and distinctive flared bottoms.
U.S. Navy Undress Blues "B"
Service Uniform
A general duty wool working uniform for enlisted men worn in temperate zone weather conditions. "Undress" means the uniform was not meant for dress wear. Worn with or without the neckerchief (depending on the Sailors job designation). The trousers were the same as the dress blue uniform but the jumper was simplified in construction and did not have the white piping of the dress blue uniform. The white 'Dixie Cup" cap or "Watch cap" was worn with this uniform.
WW2 U.S. Coast Guard Dress Blues "A" Service Uniform (Named) R.E. Clifford-Signalman (103767)
We believe this photo to be that of Robert E. Clifford
During the entire length of WWII, U.S. Coast Guard elements sent 12 German and two Japanese submarines to the bottom of the ocean and would end up capturing two German warships. In fact, Coast Guard Cutter Icarus attacked and sank the German submarine U-352 off Moorehead City, North Carolina, and then rescued and took 33 prisoners-of-war, the first German prisoners taken in combat by any U.S. force in World War II.
Thousands of Coast Guard and Navy personnel were skilled and apt to handle landing craft in preparation for the beaches. Part of that landing craft mission was landing troops at D-Day, but, given the sheer size of the operation, the Navy and Army asked that the Coast Guard also provide a flotilla of ships to rescue Americans stranded in the water. The Coastie’s punctually rose-up to complete the challenge, pulling from their daily experience in saving lives for over a century. The Coast Guards Cutters and other small-craft went to war on D-Day. They were literally behind the first wave of landing craft hitting the beaches of Normandy. They had been told to stay two miles away from the shoreline, but most of the Coastie’s took their craft closer to shore where they could rescue more lives.
WWII U.S. Marine Corps Enlisted Dress Blues Uniform (Corporal) 2nd Marine Division
(355408)
During WWII, the 2nd Marine Division participated in operations in these Pacific Theater of Operations: The Guadalcanal Campaign, in the Solomon Islands campaign,
The Battle of Tarawa, in the Gilbert Islands campaign, The Battle of Saipan, in the Mariana Islands campaign, The Battle of Tinian and The Battle of Okinawa
Elements of the 2nd Marine Division were part of the occupation of Nagasaki, arriving twenty-five days after the nuclear strike on Japan.
The Marine Corps dress uniform was worn while on ship detachment, liberty or on social occasions. Note the absence of breast pockets.
Original U.S. WWII 1944 Dated Army Officer Folding Field Desk by Rice Stix Dry Goods Company
(393075)
Women's Auxilary Army Corps (WAAC), Women's Army Corp (WAC)
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Army Air Force (Air-Wac's)
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC)
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With war looming, U.S. Rep. Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts introduced a bill for the creation of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in May 1941.
Spurred on by the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Congress approved the creation of WAAC on May 14, 1942. WAAC was established "for the purpose of making available to the national defense the knowledge, skill, and special training of women of the nation."
Conversion to Army status, Women's Army Corps (WAC)
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In January 1943, U.S. Rep. Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts introduced identical bills in both houses of Congress to permit the enlistment and commissioning of women in the Army of the United States, or Reserve Forces, as opposed to regular enlistments in the U.S. Army. This would drop the "auxiliary" status of the WAAC and established the Women's Army Corps, or WAC, allowing women to serve overseas and "free a man to fight."
WAAC adopted Pallas Athene, Greek goddess of victory and womanly virtue - wise in peace and in the arts of war - as its symbol.
Pallas Athene and the traditional "U.S." were worn as lapel insignia. Cap insignia was an eagle, adapted from the design of the Army eagle. The WAAC eagle, later familiarly known as "the Buzzard," was also imprinted on the plastic buttons of the uniform.
WW2 WAC Summer Service Uniform
(905987)
U.S. Army 8th Air Force WAC's serving as Swithboard Operators.
During World War II, members of the WAC were assigned to the Army Air Forces (AAF), Army Ground Forces (AGF), and the Army Service Forces (ASF) - comprised of nine service commands, the Military District of Washington and the Technical Services. At first, job opportunities were limited, but soon wide arrays of positions were available to women.
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WAC jobs performed included weather forecasters and observers, electrical specialists, sheet metal workers, link trainer instructors, control tower specialists, airplane mechanics, photo-laboratory technicians and photo interpreters, radio mechanics, repaired and installed radios in tanks, bantams and other vehicles - both in camps and in bivouac areas, and trained men in field artillery and code sending and receiving. They also served as telephone, radio and teletype operators, cryptographers, cryptanalysts, and photographic experts. The Technical Service, employed under the Transportation Corps, utilized assistance in processing troops and mail. Women served as medical and surgical technicians served within the medical department, and also conducted administrative services for Adjutant General's Corps, Chemical Warfare Service, Quartermaster Corps, finance department, provost marshal and Corps of Chaplains.
Army Air Force WAC Winter Service Uniform, also known as AIR-WAC.
(955155)
WWII U.S. Sherman Tank (Photo only-We do not yet have a tank in our inventory!
The red circle indicates one of several locations where a periscope would be mounted.
WWII Sherman Tank Periscope
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Periscope mounted inside a tank
WWII Sherman Tank Periscope
(100324)
Side View
Front View
Rear View
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WWII Mark 1 Army/Navy Target /Kites
(253135)
Used by both the Army and Navy for target practice by anti-aircraft gunners during WWII. These kites came with a silhouette of either a Japanese aircraft or a German aircraft. We are forunate enough to have both examples of these kites on display in our museum.
(450422)
WWII "Gibson Girl" Army Air Force Survival Radio Transmitter Kit SCR-578
During World War II, Germany developed a hand-crank 500 kHz rescue radio, the "Notsender" (emergency transmitter) NS2. The radio case curved inward in the middle so that a user seated in an inflatable lifeboat could hold it stationary, between the thighs, while the generator handle was turned. The distress signal, in Morse code, was produced automatically as the crank handle was turned. An NS2 unit was captured by the British in 1941, who produced a copy, the "Dinghy Transmitter T-1333". Britain gave a second captured unit to the United States, which produced its own copy, the "SCR-578".
The SCR-578/BC-778 entered into service in 1942. United States Army Air Forces aircraft carried the SCR-578 on over-water operations. Nicknamed the Gibson Girl because of its hourglass shape, which reminded people of the young ladies drawn by illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. It was supplied with a fold-up metal frame box kite, and a balloon with a small hydrogen generator. The kite flying line also served as the aerial wire. Power was provided by a hand cranked generator. The transmitter component (the orange radio device itself) was the BC-778. The frequency was 500 kHz at 4.8 watts, giving it a range of 200 miles. Keying could be automatic or manual.
Components of the SCR-578 Gibson Girl Radio Transmitter
SCR-578 Bag BG-155-A with an M-390-B Parachute-dated 1945
(505088)
M-357-A Box Kite
(60606)
The Gibson Girl box kite could be flown by a pilot lost at sea, with the flight line also serving as an antenna to enhance the distance of the radio transmitter. The kite required a minimum of 7 mph winds to fly it. Our complete SCR-578 kit includes the box kite bag with kite (102662), and two (2) M-315 Hydrogen Generator Inflation Tubes (180233).
M-315 Inflating Tube
(90233)
Due to the extreme heat generated by the hydrogen generator, the inflating tube must be held by the wood grip to avoid burning the hands.
This illustration depicts the inflating tube attached to the hydrogen generator.
M-315-A (or B) Hydrogen Generator
(76117)
In cases where there is not enough or no wind to get the box kite flying, included as part of the SCR-578 kit was this hydrogen generator containing one pound of lithium hydride. It would be attached to the balloon with an inflating tube and then immersed in water, a chemical reaction produced enough hydrogen to inflate the balloon to 4 feet in diameter. Once aloft, the balloon and antenna gave the radio a transmitting range of about 200 miles.
The can must be kept in the water and away from the raft, as if generates extreme heat.
This illustration depicts the inflated M-278-A balloon with attached antenna wire
Balloon M-278-A
This wrench was included in the SCR-578 kit and would be used to loosen the crank cap, ground cap and brake wheel, if needed.
AS-207 Antenna Wire-Spare
(54098)
The kit contains 300 foot of antenna wire inside the BC-778 as well as a spare 300 foot roll.
M-278-A Balloon
(66888)
This balloon is another one of many pieces that make up the SCR-578 kit.
There were two ways to get this antenna airborne — The folding box kite or a balloon if wind conditions prevented use of the kite. This “balloon in a can” is referred to as the Balloon, M-278-A.
M-308-B Signal Lamp
(46389)
In addition to radio transmission, the set could be used as a hand-powered signal light, automatically keyed or continuously, intended to be used for visual signalling by night if an aircraft was heard. The M-308 signal lamp was plugged into a socket provided and strapped on top of the head with the straps under the chin.
U.S. Army Air Force Pilot Survival Raft Exhibit
Listen to "The adventures of Lieutenant Hanson" our USAAF pilot, as he tells the story of the Gibson Girl radio
Our downed Army Air Force Pilot sits in a Winslow Survival Raft (200002) as he prepares to send an S.O.S. signal using the Gibson Girl Radio.
Pictured are some items that would have been found with a pilot during the war.
A-11 Leather Flying Helmet
(128456)
The Type A-11 intermediate flying helmet was standardized on August 6, 1943 and became one of the most popular and widely utilized helmets during World War II. It has snaps on the side of the helmet that were employed to secure the oxygen mask.The rubber earphone mountings were designated for the Type ANB-H-1 radio receiver.
Type ANB-H-1 Radio Receiver
(201199)
Type A-14 Oxygen Mask
(357088)
AN-6530 Goggles
(201773)
AN-6530 Goggles were produced during World War II as eye protection for United States Army and Navy flight crews
These masks were issued to World War II pilots and crewmen, allowing them to travel and fight in the low oxygen upper atmosphere
Type L-1 Army Air Force Flight Suit
(100102)
B-4 "Mae West" Life Preserver
(277771)
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The B-4 became well-known during World War II when they made the difference between life and death for thousands of sailors and airmen.
The vests acquired the name “Mae West Jackets" because when a person puts one on and inflates it, he or she looks like a buxom woman. In the 1940s, this reminded men of Mae West. Our vest is dated December of 1942
During WWII, there was no prescribed flying uniform that AAF aircrewmen were required to wear. In the Southwest Pacific, some flew combat in summer-season shirts and trousers while others wore lightweight flying suits. In Europe during the winter, aircrewmen wore the warmest clothing they could get, particularly waist gunners who stood in open windows.
Although flying clothing was left to a flyer's personal preference based on such factors as climatic and geographic conditions, he was not to carry his billfold, letters or any personal papers that might be of value to the enemy. He was expected, however, to wear his dog tags and to carry an escape kit.
Pearl Harbor
Technical Sergeant Harold Oberg and his wife Eda.
On their newly purchased Revere Model 88 movie camera, Army Technical Sergeant Harold S. Oberg and his wife Eda were able to record the only known color film of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on morning of December 7, 1941.
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December 7, 1941 Attack
On Sunday morning, 7 December 1941, the largest airborne attack force ever assembled by the Imperial Japanese Navy struck Oahu's military installations and plunged the United States into World War II. Their main objective was to cripple the U.S. Fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor. To eliminate air opposition, however, they needed to destroy the Hawaiian Air Force; so they struck Hickam, Wheeler and Bellows Fields with devastating fury.
Hickam Air Field
Hickam Field, adjacent to Pearl Harbor U.S. Naval Base, was established in 1935 as Hawaii's principal army airfield and bomber base. On December 7, 1941, 51 airplanes were on the ground at Hickam, the headquarters of the Hawaii Air Force, and a flight of 12 B-17s was expected to arrive that morning. The first wave of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was primarily targeting battleships and carriers, but the airfields were also to be hit to prevent a counterattack against the Japanese bombers and torpedo planes.
At Hickam Field, Japanese Zero fighters and Val dive-bombers strafed and bombed the fight line and hangars, concentrating on the B-17 bombers. The 12 U.S. B-17s arrived unarmed and low on fuel during the attack. Most succeeded in landing at Hickam where they were attacked on the ground. The second wave of the Japanese attack struck Hickam at 8:40am and by 9:45 the attack was over. Nearly half of the airplanes at Hickam Field had been destroyed or severely damaged. The hangars, the Hawaiian Air Depot, several base facilities-the fire station, the chapel and the guardhouse-had been hit.
8mm Revere Model 88 Color Movie Camera
Rationing became a way of life for people on the home front during World War II (WWII), from 1941-1945, affecting everything from the quantity and kind of food people ate to the clothes they wore. Rationing insured that each person could get his fair share of the products and food goods that were in short supply due to the war effort and import reductions. Four different ration books were issued during WWII. Ration book two contained red and blue stamps, numbered A-Z, each with different ration point designations. The red stamps were for butter, margarine, meats, cheese, fats, and canned fish. The red stamps were for canned fruits and vegetables. When book two was first issued, each household was required to itemize and declare all their canned goods; stamps were removed from their ration books for the canned goods they already had on hand.
Rationing For War
Radio played a large part in the war effort. Listen to this public service announcement from radio personality Herold Peary (also known as "The Great Gildersleeve") at the conclusion of one of his radio broadcasts on February 7, 1943, as he explains a new ration policy implemented by Washington.
WWII Ration Coupons, Booklets and Tokens
Ration Book One
Issued to the public May 4 - May 7, 1942. Of the 180,000,000 printed, 123,000,000 were issued. Initially used to ration sugar, coupons were later designated for other products. Stamps #1-4 - designated for sugar. Each stamp was worth 1 lb of sugar and was given a designed two week period during which it must be used. Stamps #5-6 - 2 lbs of sugar each and valid for a 4-week period. Stamp #7 - consumer bonus of 2 lbs of sugar for use between July 10-Aug. 22, 1942. Stamp #13 - 5 lbs sugar for 2 2/3 months expiring on Aug. 15, 1943. Stamp #14 - 5 lbs sugar for 2 1/2 months Aug. 16-Nov. 1, 1943. Stamps #15-16 - validated for 5 lbs of sugar each, for home canning. Stamp #17 - designated for a pair of shoes. Stamp #18 -1 pair shoes between June 16-Oct. 31, 1943. Stamps #19-28 - designated as coffee stamps, valid for 1 lb. of coffee each for five weeks
Ration Book Two
Issued to the public May 4 - May 7, 1942. Of the 180,000,000 printed, 123,000,000 were issued. Initially used to ration sugar, coupons were later designated for other products. Stamps #1-4 - designated for sugar. Each stamp was worth 1 lb of sugar and was given a designed two week period during which it must be used. Stamps #5-6 - 2 lbs of sugar each and valid for a 4-week period. Stamp #7 - consumer bonus of 2 lbs of sugar for use between July 10-Aug. 22, 1942. Stamp #13 - 5 lbs sugar for 2 2/3 months expiring on Aug. 15, 1943. Stamp #14 - 5 lbs sugar for 2 1/2 months Aug. 16-Nov. 1, 1943. Stamps #15-16 - validated for 5 lbs of sugar each, for home canning. Stamp #17 - designated for a pair of shoes. Stamp #18 -1 pair shoes between June 16-Oct. 31, 1943. Stamps #19-28 - designated as coffee stamps, valid for 1 lb. of coffee each for five weeks
Ration Book Three
Ration Book Four
Distributed May 20, 1943 the coupons used for food and other commodities. War ration book no. 3, valid September 1943, included 8 pages of stamps, four for meat rationing, and four for a clothing rationing program never put into effect. Some clothing stamps were eventually validated for shoe rationing. Book Three was replaced by Book Four on November 1, 1943. The system was simplified on February 27, 1944, when all stamps became worth ten points, and plastic tokens were issued as change.
OPA Tokens (Office of Price Administration)
Ration book four was printed in red, blue and green. Each stamp was illustrated with a military symbol such as a naval ship, airplane, tank, gun, horn of plenty or torch of liberty, adding a patriotic flair. Ration book four also introduced red and blue cardboard tokens, each valued at one-point, to be used as change for ration coupon purchases. Before the use of tokens, people had to present the exact number of points for the purchase of merchandise or forfeit the difference. For example, if a can of corn was listed at 7 ration points, and the purchaser had only a 10 point stamp left for the week, she would lose three ration points as part of the purchase. When tokens came into use, the purchaser could receive three tokens, each worth one point, in exchange. An advantage of tokens was that they never expired, while the stamps did. Ration book four also included "spare" stamps that were occasionally validated for the purchase of five extra pounds of pork.
OPA Tokens with Book
Tokens were used with coupons of the same color to pay for rationed items, and were received as change from coupons when purchasing goods. The red tokens were used for meat, the blue tokens were used for non-meat items.
Ration Book Holder and Token Holder
These would be used to store the ration books and tokens.
Music and World War Two
WWII U.S. Army Special Services Phonograph, ca. 1942
Made for the Army Special Services Division by the Waters Conley Company in Rochester, MN. The Special Services Division provided, among other things, entertainment and recreational activities for the troops in the United States and the theaters of combat operations. The phonograph is spring powered, which is wound using the included crank. It plays only 78 RPM records and requires a new needle about every 7-8 plays.
(798925)
U.S. Army Record Label V-Disc ("V" for Victory)
This photo shows our V-Disc label collection
Yes, the U.S. Army actually had its own record label during the war! Formed in 1943 to provide records to U.S. military personnel, under the supervision of Captain Robert Vincent (Special Services Division). James Petrillo, leader of The American Federation of Musicians, was involved in the 1942-1944 musicians strike in which there was a recording ban on four companies. On October 27, 1943, Captain Vincent convinced Petrillo to allow the unions musicians to make records for the military as long as those discs were not sold and the masters were disposed of. Musicians under contract with different labels were now able to record together for the benefit of the soldiers. These records continued to be made for troops until 1949.
V-Disc 274, featuring The Benny Goodman Trio/Lee Castle and his orchestra. This was recorded in September of 1944
U.S. Navy "Navajo Code Talker" TBY-4 Radio Transceiver
(2005590)
The TBY radio was used by the USMC and Navy during WWII. Primarily, they were used by the Marines at Guadalcanal, Bouganville, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and other places; and notably by the Navajo Code Talkers who were assigned to Marine Divisions in those amphibious operations. They were also used aboard PT boats as a backup to the TCS sets.
Operating over a frequency range of 28 – 80 MC with about a half-watt output, it provided short range signals.
Between assault troops on the beach and a supporting destroyer the transmit range would be a few thousand yards.
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Navajo Code Talkers using a TBY radio at Iwa Jima
Instruction Book and Test Data Book
(Serial number matches our TBY Radio)
When the U.S. entered World War II, military leaders enlisted new recruits from the Navajo, Kiowa, Hopi, Creek, Seminole, and other tribes to encrypt messages for the Army and Marine Corps.
Working with Navajo leaders, the Marine Corps initially recruited 29 Navajo men to train as Code Talkers in specially designed courses.
By the end of the war, the Marines had over 400 Navajo men trained as Code Talkers, many of them serving in the Pacific Theater. The Army had similar training programs for its Code Talkers, who generally served in Europe and North Africa. Because of the Code Talkers, the U.S. was able to win the battle for Iwa Jima, Japan. Coder talkers from various tribes also contributed during the first world war.
TBY-4 Radio Transceiver
Highly sought after by collectors of militaria, this historic piece of military equipment is a rare find indeed. The TBY radio itself is not very difficult to find. What is difficult to find is the TBY radio set with the original headset/microphone, Morse code keyer, carrying bag, antenna and operating manuals, official shipping chest and Navy padlock.
The Providence Military Museum is fortunate to be in possession of this piece and proud to display it, particularly to commemorate the Navajo Nation and their contributions to further the war effort, in addition to the multiple other American Indian tribes that participated in the Code Talker program.
These photos show how the radio and accessories would have been packed in the shipping crate.
Original TBY-4 Shipping Chest
Antenna Assembly
WW2 U.S. Marine Corps M-1941 Combat Pack
(355551)
This WW2 Marine Corps Combat Pack consists of an M-1941 upper 'Roll Top" haversack and lower M-1941 knapsack, an M-1910 trench tool with cover, a U.S.M.C. camouflage Half Shelter/Poncho and an M-1905 bayonet for an M1 rifle.
WW2 U.S.M.C. P41 Herringbone Twill Jacket
WW2 U.S.M.C. P41 Herringbone Twill Trousers
WW2 M1 Helmet (the camouflage cover is a reproduction) with U.S.M.C. M-1941 Suspenders, U.S.M.C. Cross Flap Canteen Cover and U.S.M.C. M1 Cartridge Belt
WW2 U.S.M.C. "Boondocker" Boots
WWII Emergency Snowshoes
(70231)
Marked U.S. 1943, these Fahlin emergency snowshoes are smaller than the bear paw or trail type snowshoes as they were only intended to be used when unexpected snowfall called for their use. Made of rawhide and wood with leather foot straps. The Fahlin Manufacturing Company from Columbia Missouri, known for making the bear paw snowshoes for the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, was an aircraft propellor manufacturer prior to and especially during the war. They also made bows, arrows and skies.
WWII Enlisted Non- Commissioned Officer Eisenhower "Ike Jacket" with overseas cap
This uniform grouping is an excellent representation of a WWII Ike jacket.
Patches on the jacket identify it as a Technician Fourth Grade (Tec 4) with the U.S. Army Air Forces 9th Engineer Command, 1st Allied Airborne Army, which was part of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe and was the largest all airborne military force in history. The 4 gold overseas war service bars on the sleeve indicate 2 years of overseas service.
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Donated to us by Richard Ellingsworth of Plainfield, Illinois.
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The 1st Allied Airborne Army was an Allied formation formed on 2 August 1944 by order of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force.
The formation was part of the Allied Expeditionary Force and controlled all Allied airborne forces in Western Europe from August 1944 to May 1945. These included the U.S. IX Troop Carrier Command, the U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps, which controlled the 17th, 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and a number of independent airborne units, all British airborne forces including the 1st and 6th Airborne Division plus the Polish 1st Parachute Brigade.
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From the time of its creation until the end of World War II, the formation commanded the Allied airborne forces that participated in the Allied advance through North-West Europe, including Operation Market-Garden in September 1944, repelling the German counter-offensive launched during the Battle of the Bulge between December 1944 and January 1945, and Operation Varsity in March 1945.
After the surrender of Nazi Germany, the formation was deactivated, the constituent units reverting to their national armies on 20 May 1945.
Part of the 9th Air Force, the 9th Engineer Commands "Aviation engineers" were given the important mission of airfield construction. The ninth built runways with unbelievable speed in England and the European continent during the war. three of its battalions were airborne qualified.
Photographs of Raymond Ellingsworth along with a photo of his draft card. He was 19 years old when he enlisted on January 1, 1943. He was discharged on May 4, 1944.
WWII Blue Star "Man-In Service" Flags
The Man-in-Service Flag was used in both World War I and World War II. It is also known as the Blue Star Flag. Each family was entitled to hang a small Man-in-Service Flag in a window to signify they had a family member in service. The flag was about a foot long and was hung vertically. The blue star was covered with a gold (actually yellow) star if the family member died in action.
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Donated by Richard Ellingsworth, these flags were hung in the window in the home of Ray Ellingsworth by Richard's Grandmother to signify their son Raymond's service.
A souvenir of the 9th Air Force brought back from Europe by Ray Ellingsworth.
WWII Officer Class A Uniform-Medical Corps
This uniform (Laundry H-9232) belonged to Captain Kieran W. Hennessey (O-169232) of Rhode Island. Born in 1910 in Providence, Long Island, Captain Hennessey was a doctor with the Army during WWII. He served from August 29th, 1942, to January 14th, 1946. He was a self-employed Medical Doctor when he registered for the draft in 1940. Captain Hennessey was assigned to Company C, 262nd Medical Battalion, which was part of the 2nd Engineer Special Brigade in the Pacific.
This uniform was donated to us by Allison Sinnot of Rhode Island.
WWII U.S. Army Herringbone Twill (HBT) Uniform
(626919)
1944 O.D. 7 "Special" HBT Jacket w/Gas Flap and 13 Star Buttons
(188830)
Original Army HBT Field Cap
(91397)
1943 O.D. 7 HBT Trouser with13 Star Buttons
(303722)
M43 Double Buckle Combat Boots
(267881)
The U.S. Army introduced the double buckle boot in November 1943 but it did not arrive to front line troops in Europe till after the Normandy invasion. The M43 double buckle boot replaced the roughout ankle boot, which were worn with the M1938 canvass gaiters.
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These union suits were found in storage at Fort Sam Houston, Texas-these are very scarce POW artifacts. We acquired these suits from Ken McPheeters at McPheeters Militaria in January of 2025 (www.mcpheetersantiquemilitaria.com).
During the first months that the United States was involved in World War Two, an estimated 2,000 prisoners of war were brought to the U.S.
By the fall of 1942, the overseas POW camps became overcrowded. This caused the US to create a regulated internment program. Some 50,000 POWs held by the British in North Africa were then relocated to the US and confined in camps at major military posts, reactivated Civilian Conservation Corps camps, and at civilian facilities such as racetracks and fairgrounds.
The flow of POW's from Europe and the Pacific continued to grow as the war progressed, and with it the need for additional larger and more specifically planned facilities.
Fort Sam Houston, located on a substantial reservation of land on the northeast side of downtown San Antonio, Texas, came to house one of the largest of these POW camps within the continental United States, housing over 4,000 Austrian, German, Italian and Japanese prisoners.
The POW’s were generally issued obsolete US Army working uniforms such as the blue dungaree shirts, trousers and hats from the 1930’s, as well as underwear, socks and footwear. In hot climates such as south Texas, even the cotton dungaree shirts would be uncomfortable, and it is likely the POW’s stripped down to their underwear.
To inhibit any attempts to escape, the POW’s clothing was well marked with a large “PW” on the front and back of whatever article of clothing was issued to the prisoner.
In the late 1960’s Ft. Sam Houston was demolishing a stand of World War One and World War Two vintage barracks and warehouses in preparation for new construction projects. In one of these buildings a small, long-forgotten quantity of these suits of long underwear was found, each bearing at least one “PW” stencil, and some so marked in several locations on the suit. A local collector who had contacts on the post became aware of the find and being a forward-thinking individual and one that recognized history when it passed through his hands, he retrieved the cache of these suits from the trash heap-and two of those suits are now displayed at the Providence Military Museum
World War 2 Axis Prisoner of War Flatrock Mills Union Suits
(200011)
(200012)
WW2 Prisoner of War Interrogation Manual, U.S. Army Air Forces-Dated 1943
WW2 German Army Dog Tags
German soldiers in World War II wore their dog tags, called Erkennungsmarken, suspended from their necks by a cord or chain. Introduced in 1939, the tags were issued to every active member of the Wehrmacht and were stamped with the unit and personnel number. The information on the tag was mirrored on the top and bottom halves.​
1944 German Prisoner of War Letter From German POW Artur Kriebel being held at Camp Lee, Virgina.
(45945)
WW2 POW letters were sent through the International Red Cross or another neutral intermediary, like the Vatican. The letters were often sent using preprinted letter covers such as the one pictured, with "PRISONER OF WAR" printed on them.
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This is a censored letter and letter cover from German POW Artur Kriebel, held at Camp Lee, Virgina, and mailed to family at 44 Breslauer Street, in a town with a ton of amazing history dated back to around the year 1004, Liegnitz. After the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II, Liegnitz, known as Legnica, Poland today, was preliminarily transferred to Poland following the Potsdam Conference in 1945. The majority of the German population was either expelled in accordance with the Potsdam Agreement or fled from the city.
Post marked September 8,1944. It bears a censorship stamp by U.S. authorities.
Thanks to a friend of the museum from Germany, Jochen, we were able to get an accurate translation of this letter:
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"Dear Aunt and Uncle, I again want to give a sign of life. I am well and I hope you are well as well. I would have never thought that I once would see America. What I had thought of America is not what it is. The houses are made out of wood. The streets are good and you don't see any bicycles but therefor lots of cars. Every third one has an own car even when he has no money. But that's the way it is. In the loudspeaker I hear a song of the Blue Danube. How is mum doing, is she worried. Georg is still in...(this part of te letter is unreadable, maybe a relative of his still in the war?). Don't lose your hope, it will be better one day. In three days is my birthday. All the best from Artur"
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The blue discoloration caused by chemicals applied by U.S. censors to detect hidden writing or invisible ink.
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WW2 U.S. Army Prisoner of War Tag
(63979)
These "Capture Cards" were used to record information about captured enemy soldiers. It would be attached to the prisoner upon capture and serve as an identification and record keeping tool.
Coming Soon!
Battle Of The Bulge
On Dec. 16, 1944, with the onset of winter, the German army launched a counteroffensive that was intended to cut through the Allied forces in a manner that would turn the tide of the war in Hitler's favor. The battle that ensued is known historically as the Battle of the Bulge, or the Ardennes Offensive. It was a major World War II battle fought in the Ardennes region of Belgium, France, and Luxembourg from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, ultimately resulting in an Allied victory.
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The offensive was intended to stop Allied use of the Belgian port of Antwerp and to split the Allied lines, allowing the Germans to encircle and destroy each of the four Allied armies and force the western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty in the Axis powers' favor.
General Patton's 3rd Army Sergeant in our display is armed with an M1 Garand Rifle and an M1A1 Bazooka.
The helmet is a McCord fixed bail/from seam M1 made in 1943 with shell (153377).
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M1A1 Bazooka (Reproduction)
1943 U.S. Army M7A1 Practice Bazooka Rocket
(73090)
The Allies, initially caught off guard, fought fiercely to defend their positions and eventually pushed the German forces back to their starting points. The Battle of the Bulge was a costly battle for both sides.The battle was the bloodiest for American forces on the Western Front during WWII, with approximately 20,000 American soldiers killed.The Germans also suffered significant casualties, including the loss of thousands of men and hundreds of tanksThe German offensive was codenamed "Wacht am Rhein" or the "Watch on the Rhine".
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American Army units that fought in the battle included:
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101st Airborne Division: Known for its defense of Bastogne, where they famously refused to surrender, famously responding "Nuts!" to a German demand.
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28th Infantry Division: Bore the brunt of the initial German attack and successfully delayed the oncoming German 5th Panzer Army.
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10th Armored Division: Reinforced Bastogne and participated in the counteroffensive.
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4th Armored Division: Part of General Patton's Third Army, moved against the southern flank of the German advance.
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Patton's 3rd Army: Played a crucial role in the counteroffensive, with units like the 4th, 6th, 10th, and 11th Armored Divisions.
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10th Armored Division: Reinforced Bastogne and participated in the counteroffensive.
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82nd Airborne Division: Directed to hold St. Vith.
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Other notable units:
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394th Infantry Regiment: Some of the first Americans to confront the German attack, with a platoon holding up the spearhead of Kampfgruppe Peiper for eight crucial hours.
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285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion: A group of Americans from this unit were captured at Malmedy, Belgium.
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86th Chemical Mortar Battalion: Provided white phosphorous smoke rounds, which created chaos among enemy forces.
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784th Tank Battalion: An African American unit that imposed its will on the enemy in combat.
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333rd Field Artillery: Another African American unit that participated in the battle.
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Armored Divisions: The US Army had nine armored divisions in the Ardennes, including the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th Armored Divisions under Lt. General Hodges' First US Army, and the 4th, 6th, 10th, and 11th Armored Divisions under Lt. General Patton's Third US Army.
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Cavalry Groups: Five cavalry groups provided reconnaissance for the First and Third Armies.
WW2 U.S. Army Aladdin M-1942 MOD Single Burner Field Stove dated 1945
Manufactured by Aladdin during the war, these portable stoves were made of stainless steel and brass. They are extremely resilient to any type of weather conditions.​ Housed in an aluminum canister designed with a "bayonet" style closure at the top, which engages a protrusion on the base to accommodate the compact M-1942, the locking groove is "F" shaped, hence the name.​ It is designed to run off gasoline, either leaded or more preferably white, which did not have any additives. ​The side of the brass fuel tank is marked with the maker and date information:
U.S.
M-1942 MOD
ALADDIN - 1945
​​
The aluminum canister is marked on the bottom with the maker and date, indicating military production:
U.S.
C.M. MFG. CO.
1945
​
WWII U.S. Army M1928 Haversack Canvas Meat Can/Mess Kit Pouch
(41111)
WW2 Mess Kit with Utensils made by Massillon AL. CO. 1945
(34004)
U.S Army M1943 OD Green Wool Field Shirt with Gas Flap
(52025)
WW2 GI Issued 'Paratroopers" boots belonging to Army Air Forces Major Cromwell D. St. Clair.
(424421)
WW2 M1943 Cotton Field Pants
(152200)
WW2 3rd Army Sergeant's Wool Trench Coat, Sigmund Eisner Co. in 1942
(127333).
M1936 suspenders made by Atlas, dated 1942
(75175)
M1 Garand Ammo belt manufactured by Hinson MFG. Co. (Waterloo, Iowa) in 1942
(100765)
M1942 Carlisle Bandage Pouch
(23070)
WW2 Trench Shovel made by AMES, with Cover. Both dated 1945
(65177)
WW2 Canteen Cup made by Vollrath dated 1945
WW2 Canteen made by SMCO dated 1945. Pouch made by JEFF QMD dated 1945
(52550)
BECO Canteen Cup dated 1944
(26919)
The scarf is made from a WW2 Army blanket, common practice when a soldier was in a pinch
(26177)
Type 1 Schoenfeld and Wolf Inc. "Trigger Finger" Mittens with Wool Inserts, also belonging to Army 2nd Lieutenant Cromwell D. St. Clair.
(42421)
Ashaway Line and Twine Company Survival Fishing Kit
(101635)
International game fish association
(IGFA)
The IGFA was founded on the eve of World War II in 1939, and unbeknownst by many, played a crucial role during this global crisis. Led by its founder Michael Lerner, the IGFA assisted the Allied forces during World War II with the design of survival kits for servicemen stranded or adrift at sea. Let’s learn more about this significant, yet relatively unknown part of the IGFA’s history.
Considerable research on the edibility of saltwater fish had determined that all but four relatively rare species could be safely eaten either cooked or raw. It was also discovered how lymphatic fluid could be extracted from the flesh of raw fish and substituted for water. Indeed, subsequent tests showed that sailors could easily survive for 10 days or more while drinking nothing else. With this information in hand, a technical committee was formed in late 1942, with Lerner at its head, to address the need for an improved emergency survival kit.
Its members were among the most accomplished anglers of the day – Michael Lerner, Kip Farrington, Philip Wylie, Captain Eddie Wall, Julian Crandall, and Captain Bill Hatch – and they immediately went to work.
IGFA Founder Michael Lerner displays his emergency fishing kit that was designed to help downed pilots and torpedoed sailers survive during WW2.
Michael Lerner Demonstrates his emergency fishing kits to various branches of the American armed service during WW2.
Recognizing the vital and immediate importance of its charge, the group interviewed hundreds of airmen and sailors with the first-hand experience of being abandoned at sea. Lerner himself spent months testing various elements off the coast of Florida, and all committee members participated in extensive sea trials. In February of 1943, the new kit was formally adopted by the US Navy and shortly thereafter by the other maritime services. Instead of the heavy tarred lines used previously, Lerner introduced the concept of an emergency vest that included hooks of various sizes, assorted baits, a knife, sharpening stone, net, harpoon, and (most importantly) instructions for use. Packed in a sealed coffee can and weighing about three pounds, each element in the kit was carefully described and its use outlined in a variety of different settings. The pursuit of fish over 25-kilograms (50-pounds) was discouraged since a loss of gear could be catastrophic. Nevertheless, servicemen were instructed as to the capture of birds, bait, turtles, crawfish, and anything else that might keep them alive.
Once the design was approved, the kits were constructed by the Ashaway Line & Twine company, based out of Ashaway, Rhode Island.
Once approved, the kits were constructed by Julian Crandall and his Ashaway Line & Twine Company in Ashaway, Rhode Island. In short order, they were packed aboard lifeboats and ship’s rafts and began saving lives almost immediately. Literally hundreds of grateful letters were received from servicemen in all theatres, prompting several other Allied nations to adopt the kits and also hastening the development of a smaller kit especially for downed airmen that could be packed aboard an emergency life raft.
The near overnight success of the military survival kits brought enormous acclaim to the IGFA, and this quickly spawned another project. In many remote outposts, wounded servicemen at field hospitals had little to do during their recovery, and patient morale was correspondingly poor. After some consideration, it was decided that taking advantage of local angling opportunities might represent both a welcome distraction and a means of supplementing military rations.
In early 1943, Lerner first proposed the idea of a recreational fishing kit to authorities in Washington DC, but he soon grew frustrated after months of governmental foot-dragging. Determined to see his idea through, he personally financed the development and initial production of what would quickly become a hugely successful morale-builder. The first recreational kits consisted of 100 feet of 30-lb test fishing line, assorted lures, hooks, and sinkers, plus a spearhead, dip net, and instructions printed on waterproof paper. The contents were then wrapped in a twill sleeve and made ready for shipment. Weighing in at a tidy 41 ounces, their worth to wounded servicemen quickly proved more than gold. The IGFA teamed up with the Red Cross to facilitate distribution, and the first 3,000 kits prompted a flood of letters pleading for more.
The morale, welfare and recreation fishing kit
WW2 Ammunition Box for 20 MM bullets. This ammunition was commonly used in anti-aircraft guns. The box is dated January of 1945.
KOREAN WAR
JUNE 25, 1950-JULY 27, 1953
Not forgotten by us!
Often referred to as the "Forgotten War", the Korean War was the first major conflict following the end of World War II and prior to the Vietnam War. It was the first war of the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union. It was fought between North Korea and the South Korea throughout the early part of the 1950s. The north had the support of communist allies including the Soviet Union and China, while the south had the support of the west with the United States. In fact, the United States played a large role in the conflict for several years. Due to the time period and nature of the Korean War, historians today consider it to be a Cold War era proxy war between the United States and Soviet Union. Today, historians generally agree on several main causes of the Korean War, including: the spread of communism during the Cold War, American containment, and Japanese occupation of Korea during World War II.
The main reason the United States got involved in Korea was the purpose of doing everything possible to keep communism from spreading around world. Since the beginning of the Cold War the United States had practiced a policy of containment against the expansion of communism, and wanted to prevent the ideology from taking root in different regions of the world. For its part, the Soviet Union had actively supported the spread of communism around the world in places such as Cuba, Korea, Vietnam and Eastern Europe. The American containment policy is often referred to as the Truman Doctrine, since American President Harry S. Truman argued that the United States should actively support the containment of Soviet Communism in the years immediately after World War II. At the Providence Military Museum, we have not forgotten this conflict or those that fought and sacrificed.
Korean War M-1951 wool winter field uniform (OG-108)
The M-1951 winter field uniform shirt / trousers combo was developed during the Korean War but wasn't issued until after the cessation of hostilities. The heavy, O.G. shirt was made of a warm wool/nylon mix as were the trousers. They were initially intended for wear as layers of the new winter combat uniform, but their slick military appearance led to them being adopted as a cold-weather garrison uniform, with the addition of suitable insignia and accessories. Examples of this 50s uniform were worn well into the 70s and beyond and featured a wide range of both full-color and subdued insignia. The example seen here has a factory-fitted gold on black "US ARMY" tape together with the standard black on white individual name tape.
This soldier is seen wearing an M1 helmet with liner over an OD Green MQ-1Field Pile Winter Cap (39897). Developed in 1951, the CAP,FIELD,O.D.,MQ-1 was one of the most popular pieces of headwear throughout the colder seasons for soldiers during the Korean War. Constructed from a cotton poplin in olive drab shade #7, the Pile cap was wool alpaca lined and had ear flaps that could easily be either worn down or tied up. The front visor could be folded down to provide protection from glare, but was more commonly seen worn up with the wearer’s rank insignia pinned through it. The M1 Garand cartridge belt (55901) held 100 rounds of ammo in 10 pockets. This uniform includes a pair of original M1948 russet combat boots
(100101)
Korean War M-1951 Mittens with M51 Trigger Finger
(30999)
Korean War era U.S. Army M-1951 cold weather field cap
(28770)
U.S. Marine Corps Vandergrift Jacket (202222) with a 1951 Marine Corps wool service visor cap (103070)
Korean War-Gunnery Sergeant
This short style jacket was made in Australia for the US Marine Corps 1st Division which was stationed in Melbourne in early 1943. They were known as 'Vandegrift jackets' after the commander of the 1st Marine Division, General Alexander Vandegrift
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The AN/PRC-6 (153559) is a walkie-talkie used by the U.S. military in the late Korean War era through the Vietnam War. The AN/PRC-6 was designed and used by the US military and was in use by the US Marine Corps as late as 1972. It was commonly known as the (correctly) "Handie Talkie" or (incorrectly) "walkie-talkie," "banana radio," or "Prick-6. The At-339/PRC antenna, when used with PRC-6 radio comprises an effective homing device that permits the radio operator to find the direction of a transmitter tuned to the frequency of the radio set and to proceed in that direction.
The AN/PRC-6 was designed and used by the US military during the Korean War, and was in use by the US Marine Corps as late as 1972. It was commonly known as the (correctly) "Handie Talkie" or (incorrectly) "walkie-talkie," "banana radio," or "Prick-6.
M1941 "Jeep Cap"
(66323)
The jeep cap, made famous by the TV character Radar O'Reilly from the hit sitcom M*A*S*H, as well as Staff Sergeant Kinchloe, from the sitcom Hogan's Heroes. This cap was sometimes referred to as the jeep hat, originally the "US Army issued Cap, Wool, Knit, M1941" is a knit cap with a short visor made mostly from knitted yarn.
M1951 or M51 'Fish Tail Parka
(220099)
The M-1951 (or M51) Parka, is commonly known as the fishtail parka. It was designed by the US Army during the Korean War to cope with severe cold weather. Our jacket comes with an attached extreme cold weather hood lined with wolf fur.
USMC Non Commissioned Officer/Enlisted Service Cap
(110320)
TA-43/PT AND TA-312/PT FIELD TELEPHONE
(81994)
The US signal corps field telephones TA-43/PT (late 40's to early 50's) and TA-312/PT (Mid 50's to late 90's) are nearly identical instruments. The only difference being that the TA-312/PT ads a plug which can be used to connect an external head-/chest-set or an external DTMF dialpad. The instruments are of very rugged construction and are splashproof. The instruments include a magneto, a buzzer type ringer and a handset with push to talk button.
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The TA-312/PT and the TA-43/PT were the two primary telephones used by the maneuver battalions.
TA-43/PT) was a successor to the EE-8 field phone used all through WWII and will inter operate with the EE-8, being an analog 2 wire system. This is one of those Army products that's made to be indestructible and last forever
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The TA-312/PT is a two-wire, battery-operated field telephone. It may be used in a point-to-point wire system or in any two-wire ring-down subscriber position of a telephone communications system. These proved to be some of the best and most rugged pieces of telephone equipment used by the U.S. Army. Evidence of their superior but simple engineering-as the older models where replaced for use by the Regular Army, they were handed down to the National Guard in serviceable condition. Some of them where still in use thirty years after their manufacture.
TA=Telephone Apparatus. The TA-43/PT was designed in the mid 50's to replace the much heavier field phones from WW2. While they were being produced a modification was proposed that would give the TA-43 the ability to have an additional external handset or headset attached, a capability the WW2 field phone had. The modification was approved and designated the TA-312/PT. TA-43's still in production were modified to the TA-312 standard until existing TA-43 parts (the top) were used up. This was done by adding that "bubble" (circled in red) on one end to house the external switch and plug.
TA-43/PT Modification
M-1945 Field Desk
(202199)
Korean War era P47 Herringbone Twill (HBT) Jacket and Trousers
(500999)
In the WW2 quartermaster books, this desk is listed as "Desk, Field, M-1945". Unlike nearly everything else in the military, many of these desks are not marked with a date of manufacture. It is believed they came out late during WW2 but were likely never used until the Korean War. they were produced and used through the 1980's
VIETNAM WAR
NOVEMBER 1, 1955-APRIL 30, 1975
Vietnam War Defense Position Exhibit
Our Vietnam war defense position exhibit features the iconic M60 machine gun.
AN/PRC-77 Combat Radio Transceiver
(400000)
The AN/PRC-77 entered service in 1968 during the Vietnam War as an upgrade to the earlier AN/PRC-25. It differs from its predecessor mainly in that the PRC-77's final power amplifier stage is made with a transistor, eliminating the only vacuum tube in the PRC-25 and the DC-DC voltage converter used to create the high plate voltage for the tube from the 15 V battery. These were not the only changes. The PRC-77 transmitter audio bandwidth was widened to give it the ability to use voice encryption devices, while the PRC-25 could not.
Meal, Combat, Individual (MCI) Meal aka C-Rations
Despite the new name, the MCI was still popularly referred within the military as the C-ration. The MCI was intended as a modest improvement over the earlier canned C-ration, with inclusion of additional menu items to reduce monotony and encourage adequate daily feeding and nutrition.The Meal, Combat, Individual (MCI) was the name of canned wet combat rations issued by the United States Armed Forces from 1958 to 1980, when it was replaced by the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE).
Vietnam Jungle Exhibit
This photograph shows a part of the Vietnam jungle exhibit, including two AN/PRC-6 radios
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M72 LAW Rocket Launcher
(357312)
The M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon, also referred to as the Light Anti-Armor Weapon or LAW as well as LAWS: Light Anti-Armor Weapons System) is a portable one-shot 66 mm (2.6 in) unguided anti-tank weapon.
In early 1963, the M72 LAW was adopted by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps as their primary individual infantry anti-tank weapon, replacing the M31 HEAT rifle grenade and the M20A1 "Super Bazooka" in the U.S. Army. It was subsequently adopted by the U.S. Air Force to serve in an anti-emplacement/anti-armor role in Air Base Defense duties
M12 Rifle Rack
(194329)
This rifle rack dated 1973 is designed for the M16/M16a1 rifle. It holds 10 weapons which are secured in place by two arms that are raised or lowered. This rack is holding ten M-16 rifles with two rifles having an M-203 40 mm grenade launcher attachment.
M12 Rifle Rack
This photograph shows the identification tag of the rifle rack as well as U.S. Air Force issued cards for the M-60 machine gun and the M-203 grenade launcher. The cards would be handed to the armorer and the airman would be issued the corresponding weapon.
The "Death Card"
The card, associated with death, could be found among standard-issued card decks distributed to soldiers. The practice of putting those cards on the bodies of dead enemies began in Vietnam and was most probably initiated by American soldiers in the field.
Even though it became popular during the 1960s, the card’s use as a symbol dates earlier–to the days of World War II. It was the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division who first started wearing helmets with an Ace of Spades emblem painted on them. The reference, however, was different. For them, it was a good luck symbol, associated with good fortune in card playing. Also, since it was easily recognizable, the emblem served as a means of identification among friendlies. But in Vietnam, it took on a darker and more sinister meaning. The intention was to target the alleged superstitions of the North Vietnamese, by making the Ace of Spades the symbol of death, humiliation, and suffering.
Army Green Cord Uniform-Nurse Uniform
(70111)
Enlisted nurse in the Army green cord uniform (1959-1980), of green and white striped polyester and cotton cord material. Worn initially with a matching green cord cap, it was later worn with the Army green hat and the black beret. Officers also wore this uniform. Over 7,400 women served in Vietnam, almost all were nurses.
Vietnam War U.S. Air Force 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS), Da Nang "Jolly Green Giant" Helicopter Pilot Uniform
Consisting of a 1966 K-2B Flight Suit (62444), 1971 Pilot flight boots (100756), and a SPH-3 helmet (285210),
On January 8, 1966, the 37th ARRS was activated at Da Nang Air Base. They operated several different air craft but are probably best known for flying the Sikorsky HH-3 "Jolly Green Giant" helicopter. The Squadron was responsible for aircrew recovery over North Vietnam, Laos, and the Gulf of Tonkin.
USS Long Beach
U.S. Navy nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider
Pilot Gear
This display features Vietnam era USAF pilot gear including a U.S. Navy Vietnam era SPH-3 dual visor helicopter pilot helmet, an MB8 computer, MXU-163/P pilot clipboard, an AF Form 70 pilot flight plan and flight log dated 1966 (121663). This gear is purported to have been the property of Lieutenant Colonel Cecil G Foster with the exception of the AN/PRC-90 radio
(100077)
MB8 computer, MXU-163/P pilot clipboard, an AF Form 70 pilot flight plan and flight log dated 1966.
Flight Computer
Basically a circular slide rule which was a vital piece of equipment for flying military aircraft in the mid 50's. Used to calculate climb and descent, maximum range, fuel in pounds, etc.
M60 Machine Gun
(505911)
The M60, officially referred to as "Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M60", is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links. There are several types of ammunition approved for use in the M60, including ball, tracer, and armor-piercing rounds.
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It was adopted in 1957 and issued to units beginning in 1959. It has served with every branch of the U.S. military and still serves with the armed forces of other states. Its manufacture and continued upgrade for military and commercial purchase continues into the 21st century, although it has been replaced or supplemented in most roles by other designs, most notably the M240 machine gun in U.S. service
U.S. Navy Pilot P/D2 Orange Flight Suit and Gear
This bright orange high visibility CWU-1/P flight suit is dated to May 3, 1961 (127127). The orange flight suits were generally worn by the navy and experimental pilots for higher visibility during rescue operations. They were also worn by some divisions of the Air Force. Also pictured is a G1 leather flight jacket (153052), a1968 Vietnam era U.S. Navy pilot life vest (60737), a Navy APH-5 fighter pilot helmet (245312), a PRC-90 survival radio (101237) and a pilot knee clipboard (100728). This set up also features a KM-16 Soviet pilot oxygen mask (60911)
U.S. Navy Aviator Boots-1965
(128747)
Viet Cong (VC) Soldier
Officially known as the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. American soldiers referred to the Viet Cong as Victor Charlie or V-C. "Victor" and "Charlie" are both letters in the NATO phonetic alphabet.
Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Glen Foster
Lt. Col Cecil G. Foster, USAF (August 30, 1925 - July 5, 2016) was a veteran of the Korean War and the 23rd United States Ace: he shot down 9 Mig-15s. He was a recipient of the American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Silver Stars and a Purple Heart. During the Korean War Foster flew 200 combat sorties. He was also commanded the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the Vietnam War.
In 1943 Foster joined the Army Air Force and held the rank of private. He earned his wings in 1948 and resigned his commission in 1950. After two years in civilian life the Korean War began and in 1951 Foster was recalled to active duty.
He saw action in the Korean War where he shot down 9 planes which places him 12th on the list of 38 Korean War aces. During the Korean War he piloted an F-86 Sabre and he flew 200 combat sorties.
During the Vietnam War Foster was the commander of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron in DaNang in 1968. He retired in 1975 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
On May 20, 2015 Foster traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. He was one of 36 former combat pilots representing the American Fighter Aces Association.
In 2001 he published his memoirs. entitled: MiG Alley to Mu Ghia Pass: Memoirs of a Korean War Ace.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Cecil Glen Foster (AFSN: AO-2054256), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 26 September 1952. On that date, while leading an element of two F-86E type aircraft on a fighter sweep, Lieutenant Foster was attacked by six MIG-15s, and as they passed over, he pursued them. The MiGs then turned and closed on Lieutenant Foster. Although outnumbered and outgunned, he held his course toward the enemy. As they drew together, the MiGs fired across the nose of his aircraft. Lieutenant Foster returned the fire, hitting the enemy flight leader in the tail section, and his wingman in the nose section. Lieutenant Foster's hits on the enemy flight leader caused the MIG to explode. The second MIG began to smoke while the rest of the flight left the area. Lieutenant Foster made another firing pass on the crippled MIG, raking the entire length of the fuselage, and causing the pilot to parachute. As a result of his disregard for personal safety, superior flying skill and marksmanship, Lieutenant Foster was responsible for the destruction of two MIG-15s, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force."
Pilot's Clipboard
MXU-163/P Pilot Knee Clipboard
Flight Data Card
A T-33 Mission data card purported to have been written by Lt. Col. Foster is also displayed. The mission details a flight over the Pacific Northwest, Hoquiem area. The destination was Portland airport, PDX. It shows a co-pilot as Higbee.
Flight Plan and Flight Log
Air Force Form AF70 (Pilot's flight plan and flight log) dated May of 1970
Post Vietnam (early 1980's) female Army officer's uniform-Lieutenant Colonel Jeanette Byrnes.
(290444)
MK-15 MOD 4 Inert Practice Bomb
The MK-15 MOD 4 was a 100-lb. practice bomb used by the United States Navy during the Vietnam era.
These were originally filled with water and sand used by the Navy for target practice. The bomb itself weighs roughly about 20 pounds, with water 60 lbs, and with sand the full 100 lbs.
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The MK-15 was made of welded sheet metal. The empty weight was 17 lbs. A water-filled bomb of 4.55 gallons weighed 56 lbs. while a wet sand filled bomb weighed 95 lbs. Under icing conditions, a mixture of anti-freeze could be used instead of water. The overall length was 41.2 inches with a maximum body dimension of 8.0 inches.
Our MK 15 has been repainted in a more military type fashion.
302033
Our 1964 dated bomb retains the original "Inert Practice" color scheme
302034
M68 Claymore Mine Practice Kit
(505005)
The M68 Inert Practice kit is the training and practice version of the M18A1 Claymore.
The Claymore mine is a directional anti-personnel mine developed for the United States Armed Forces. It is named after a large medieval Scottish sword called the "Claymore". Unlike a conventional land mine, the Claymore is command-detonated and directional, meaning it is fired by remote-control and shoots a wide pattern of metal balls into the kill zone. The Claymore can also be victim-activated by booby-trapping it with a tripwire firing system for use in area denial operations. Internally the mine contains a layer of C-4 explosive behind a matrix of about seven hundred 1⁄8-inch-diameter (3.2 mm) steel balls set into an epoxy resin.
It is used primarily in ambushes and as an anti-infiltration device against enemy infantry. It is also used against unarmored vehicles.
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The maximun range is 50 meters (55 yards) and a maximum effective range of 100 meters (110 yards), although fragments can travel up to 250 meters (270 yards)
Our M68 Claymore mine practice kit consists of:
One (1) M33 Apers Mine (Inert)
One (1) M4 Electric Blasting Cap Assemby with M10 Blasting Cap and Firing Wire (100 ft)
One (1) M57 Electronic Firing Device (aka "The Clacker")
One (1) M40 Circuit Test Kit
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Inside the mine are steel balls set in epoxy
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One (1) M10 Detonator/Blasting Cap
Two (2) M60 Igniter Time Blasting Fuse
(43599)
One (1) M7 Bandoleer with sewn in instructions
TA-1/TP Field Telephone
(325877)
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Unlike most other military phones the TA-1 uses a dynamic microphone element so it's "sound powered". Because of this there is not need for batteries. Signaling to another field phone is by means of a built-in generator that, instead of a crank, uses a level that you pump. It was introduced into service in the mid 50's and used through the Vietnam War.
Our TA-1/PT is dated 1967. We are lucky enough to have the original box, carrying case and packing slip dated 10 May 1968.
LATE COLD WAR
U.S. AIR FORCE SECURITY POLICE
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"The Flight Line" Exhibit
A reproduction of an Air Force fight line .The SP pictured here is wearing the woodland camouflage Battle Dress Uniform.
Air Force Dress Blues/U.S.A.F. SecurityPolice
Air Force Dress Blues/SecurityPolice
NBC Suit and Desert Night Camouflage Suit
Desert Night Camoflage
NBC stands for nuclear, biological, and chemical. It is a term used in the armed forces, mostly in the context of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) clean-up in overseas conflict or protection of emergency services during the response to a terrorist attacks.
NBC suits are intended to be quickly donned over a soldier’s uniform and can continuously protect the user for up to several days.
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Desert Night Camouflage:
During the Persian Gulf War, desert night camouflage sets in this pattern were issued to U.S. soldiers, designed to be worn over the issued six-color Desert Battle Dress Uniform during nighttime operations
This is a two-color grid camouflage pattern used by the United States military during the Gulf War. It was designed to aid soldiers in concealment from Soviet-based night vision devices (NVDs). The pattern is now considered obsolete due to the increase in capability of foreign night vision devices
Green Utility Uniform
(249166)
The green utility uniform was last issued by the Air Force in 1986. It was also known as the "Pickle" uniform
Battle Dress Uniform (BDU)-Woodland
The Woodland Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) is a camouflaged combat uniform that was used by the United States Armed Forces as their standard combat uniform from the early 1980s to the mid-2000s. Since then, it has been replaced or supplanted in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Air Force Security Police
Me in the back of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) at Howard Air Force Base in Panama, 1989, preparing to mount an M-60 machine gun in the turret prior to conducting a nighttime perimeter patrol along the jungle line. This photo was taken after a failed coup attempt on General Manuel Noriega.
A TA-312/PT Field Phone with an H-182-A/PT Headset dated 1986
POST COLD WAR UNIFORMS
United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard was established in 1790 by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton as the Revenue Marine Service. It later became the Revenue Cutter Service and, in 1915, was combined with the U.S. Lifesaving Service (formed 1878) to become the Coast Guard. As a military service within the U.S. Armed Forces, the Coast Guard is charged with the enforcement of maritime laws.It is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. In time of war, it functions as part of the U.S. Navy and is under the direction of the president.
Present day U.S. Coast Guard uniform (400071) of Health Services Technician 2nd Class (E-5) Olivia Logan from Washington State. Olivia served over 7 years in the Coast Guard with her last duty station being at Cape May, NJ.
Present Day U.S. Coast Guard uniform (402737) of Lieutenant Commander Scott Whaley. Lieutenant Commander Whaley, from Washington State, served in the Coast Guard from 1990-2014. Serving in New Jersey, Virgina, California, Washington, North Carolina, Hawaii, Connecticut, New York and Guam, he ended his tour of duty in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Persian Gulf War
January 16, 1991-February 28, 1991
Iraqi Army
Republican Guard uniform with black beret (Sergeant)
(276333)
Iraq 50, 100 and 250 Dinars uncirculated Banknotes
(8005)
Original Iraqi pistol belt (62553) with Soviet Makarov holster. (30221)
1987 Qadisiyah-Iraqi Gulf War Bond-Saddam Hussein
(15003)
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(10981)
Six Color Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU)
In Service:
1981-1995
The Desert Battle Dress Uniform is a U.S. arid-environment camouflage battle uniform that was used by the United States Armed Forces from the early 1980s to the early to mid 1990s, most notably during the Persian Gulf War.
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The Desert Battle Dress Uniform was designed in 1976 and uses a camouflage pattern known as the Six-Color Desert Pattern or colloquially as Chocolate-Chip Camouflage and Cookie Dough Camouflage. The camouflage received its nickname because it resembles chocolate-chip cookie dough. It is made up of a base pattern of light tan overlaid with broad swathes of pale green and wide two-tone bands of brown. Clusters of black and white spots are scattered over, to mimic the appearance of pebbles and their shadows.
Desert Combat Uniform (DCU)
In Service:
1991–2008 (U.S. Army)
1993–2005 (U.S. Marine Corps)
1992–2011 (U.S. Air Force)
1993–2012 (U.S. Navy)
The Desert Combat Uniform (DCU) is an arid-environment camouflage uniform that was used by the United States Armed Forces from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s. In terms of pattern and textile cut, it is identical to the U.S. military's Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) uniform, but features a three-color desert camouflage pattern of dark brown, pale olive green, and beige, as opposed to the four-color woodland pattern of the BDU. It replaced the previous Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU).
Type II Navy Working Uniform
In Service:
2017-present
The type II is a desert digital camouflage uniform of four colors. The NWU Type II/III are tactical uniforms for our expeditionary Sailors. The Type II is restricted for wear to Naval Special Warfare personnel. The Type II will remain restricted to wear by Naval Special Warfare sailors when in desert environments. Rank insignia is embroidered and worn on a tab in the center of the torso, name and "U.S. Navy" tapes are embroidered in brown. This uniform consists of three main components: a jacket, a pair of trousers, and a hat known as an eight-point cover.
Type I Navy Working Uniform
In Service:
2008-2019
The Navy Working Uniform (NWU) is a utility uniform with multiple pockets on the shirt and trousers. Three versions of the uniform exist, each with a multi-color digital camouflage print pattern similar to those introduced by other services. Type I is predominantly blue with some gray for the majority of sailors. It was originally developed for shipboard use, but proved unsuitable for shipboard environments and was discontinued in 2019. The colors of the NWU Type I, according to the U.S. Navy, were intended to reflect the navy's heritage and connection to seaborne operations, while hiding wear and stains, something unavoidable with the utilities and working khakis used previously. The colors were chosen to match the most commonly used paint colors aboard ship, extending the lifetime of the uniform on long deployments where uniforms often come into contact with freshly painted surfaces. An anchor, USS Constitution, and eagle (ACE) emblem is embroidered on the left breast pocket on all Type I NWU's. While in service, this uniform had been subject to mockery both inside and outside the Navy, as "Aquaflage" and "Battle Dress Oceanic
Type III Navy Working Uniform
In Service:
2017-Present
NWU Type III, a woodland digital camouflage uniform, with four colors, is the standard camouflage uniform worn in CONUS and while deployed as prescribed by the Combatant Commander.
Rank insignia is embroidered and worn on a tab in the center of the torso, name and "U.S. Navy" tapes are embroidered in black. Type III was phased in by 1 October 2019 for wear as the standard working uniform ashore for all Navy personnel. The Navy began issuing this uniform to new recruits in October 2017. The ACE emblem is omitted from the NWU Type III.
MultiCam-Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)
In Service:
2010-Present
MultiCam is a camouflage pattern designed for use in a wide range of environments and conditions. First unveiled in 2002, MultiCam was designed for the use of the U.S. Army in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. It is a seven-color, multi- environment camouflage pattern.
The pattern was included in the U.S. Army's move to replace the 3-Color Desert and Woodland patterns, but in 2004 lost to the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) that came to be used in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). Nonetheless, it remained in limited use by the U.S. Army special forces in the mid-to-late 2000s in Iraq and Afghanistan. MultiCam was officially re-commissioned by the U.S. Army in 2010, replacing UCP for units deploying to fight in the War in Afghanistan, under the designation, Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OEF-CP). The U.S. Army discontinued the use of UCP in October 2019.
Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) Desert
The current battledress uniform of the United States Marine Corps. It is also worn by Navy personnel (mostly corpsmen, Seabees, chaplains, and their bodyguards) assigned to Marine Corps units (e.g. the Fleet Marine Force).
It replaced the Battle Dress Uniform, which the Marine Corps had shared with the Navy, Army and Air Force. However, both the MCCUU, and its distinctive camouflage pattern, Marine Pattern (MARPAT), are exclusive to the Marine Corps. The uniform is available in two color schemes, woodland and desert. The MCCUU should not be confused with the similar looking FROG uniform.
Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) Woodland
The current battledress uniform of the United States Marine Corps. It is also worn by Navy personnel (mostly corpsmen, Seabees, chaplains, and their bodyguards) assigned to Marine Corps units (e.g. the Fleet Marine Force).
It replaced the Battle Dress Uniform, which the Marine Corps had shared with the Navy, Army and Air Force. However, both the MCCUU, and its distinctive camouflage pattern, Marine Pattern (MARPAT), are exclusive to the Marine Corps. The uniform is available in two color schemes, woodland and desert. The MCCUU should not be confused with the similar looking FROG uniform.
Army Combat Uniform (ACU)
In service
2006–2019
Used by
U.S. Army
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Space Force
U.S. Navy (individual augmentees)
U.S. Department of Defense (civilians and contractors)
Wars
In early 2004, some U.S. Army soldiers in Iraq were issued the "Close Combat Uniform", a variant of the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU) that featured new features such as shoulder pockets affixed with hook-and-loop "Velcro" fasteners, chest-worn rank insignia, and a new collar. The experimental features used on the CCU were eventually incorporated into the ACU, which was publicly announced in June 2004
Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) "Tiger-Stripe"
The Airman Battle Uniform is a U.S. camouflage combat uniform formerly worn by members of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. It replaced the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform on 1 November 2011 after a four-year phase-in period.
On 14 May 2018, The U.S. Air Force announced that all airmen will transition from the Airman Battle Uniform to the OCP Uniform.
The first prototype of the ABU was unveiled in the summer of 2003. The early uniform prototypes consisted of trousers, an embroidered undershirt, and a blouse. The prototype camouflage pattern was a blue/gray, tigerstripe pattern, based upon the tigerstripe uniforms worn by airmen during the Vietnam War.
After months of wear testing, Air Force officials revised the color scheme and camouflage pattern due to feedback received from airmen. The new semi-pixelated tiger-stripe pattern would trade its dominant blue overtones for a more subdued palette, similar to the Universal Camouflage Pattern, but with some added slate blue tones.
U.S. Marine Corps Service Uniform "A"
The present service uniform of the USMC for enlisted Marines was adopted in 1943 making it the oldest service uniform still in use by the United States armed forces.
It is the prescribed uniform when:
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serving on a court-martial
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attending appearance in criminal court (off installations).
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making official visits and calls on U.S. and foreign dignitaries, officials, and military officers.
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visiting the White House, except when in a tourist capacity, or on an occasion where another uniform is specified.
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reporting for duty onshore
Like the Blue Dress uniform, the service uniform is authorized for wear while on leave or liberty.
Service "A" (or Alpha) is the base uniform. It consists of a green coat, green trousers with khaki web belt, khaki long-sleeve button-up shirt, khaki tie, tie clasp, and black shoes.
Army Service Uniform (ASU)
The US Army Dress Blues uniform is the formal attire worn during official functions, ceremonies and other important events. The dress blues consist of a dark blue jacket with brass buttons, a white undershirt or shirt, blue trousers with a gold stripe down each leg and black dress shoes.
The design of this uniform has evolved over time to reflect changes in military fashion and to maintain its symbolism as an icon of American military might. It is one of the most recognizable uniforms in modern military history.
The history behind dress uniforms can be traced back to ancient armies that used distinctive clothing items to distinguish themselves from their enemies. The use of military uniforms continued throughout history as armies became more organized and professional. In 1779, George Washington issued an order that required all Continental soldiers to wear blue coats with white facings on specified occasions.
This was followed by various changes in the design over time until finally in 1902; regulations were made which consolidated all prior rules regarding attire into what is now known as “Dress Blue”.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
Golani Brigade
IDF Golani Brigade Uniform with a Tavor "TAR- 21" Rifle
(449007)
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The "Golani" Brigade, formed in 1948, is an Israeli military infantry brigade. It is one of the five infantry brigades of the regular Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the others being the Paratroopers Brigade, the Nahal Brigade, the Givati Brigade and the Kfir Brigade. Its symbol is a green olive tree against a yellow background, with its soldiers wearing a brown beret. It is one of the most highly decorated infantry units in the IDF. This uniform displays the rank of Army Chief Warrant Officer.
U.S.S.R.
THE COLD WAR
These uniforms are a great representation of what the Soviet Armed Forces would have worn prior to the end of the Cold War. Note the red collar tabs on the uniforms, typically indicating that a soldier was assigned to the Infantry Division, however in this case, the tank on the collar tab (indicating mechanized troops) is seen because troops from tank divisions were assigned to infantry.
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Late Cold War Soviet Union dress uniform (Colonel) with summer overcoat (241009) , wearing a Soviet officers brown leather shoes (44700). Also pictured is a Soviet Flag/Banner Circa 1985 (103786) with original U.S.S.R. flag tips. (50032)
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Late Cold War Soviet Union dress uniform
Tank troop (Colonel) (165053) with officer parade leather boots (60332), Soviet Makarov pistol holster (20044), officer leather map bag (53578) and officers leather belt
(75300)
U.S.S.R Enlisted Soldier's Belt
(36020)
Officer's Makarov Pistol Holster
(25034)
Makarov Pistol (Replica)
(90267)
"Putin Huylo" Molotov Cocktail and Army Nesting Dolls
(40223)
East German "NVA"
(National People's Army)
Since the capital of Germany was on the Soviet controlled side, the Allies were hesitant about letting the U.S.S.R. control the entire city, so they decided to split the city up, East Berlin and West Berlin. The wall went up literally overnight. The night of August 12, 1961, the people of Berlin went to bed peacefully. The next morning, they woke up to see a wall completely dividing their city in two.
The Berlin Wall 1961-1989
Stand off between U.S. and U.S.S.R. at Checkpoint Charlie-1961
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In order to maintain the German image, as East Germany saw itself as the "true" Germany, the East Germans continued to wear the uniform in the style of the WWII German Army. This showed that East Germany kept some degree of independence from the Soviet system.
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East German M56/76 Steel Helmet
East German Female Uniform-Air Force Major (1963)
(245033)
Oberleutnant Uniform (135577) with original East German leather NVA jack boots (66234), East German Makarov holster (36777), and East German brown leather pistol belt (37879)
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MEMORIAL DEDICATION PAGE
U.S. Army Mortar Squad Leader Alex Fosco
This section of the website has been created to share the stories of the men and women that went above and beyond the call of duty. We'd like you to meet the hero's!
As a member and then leader of a mortar squad in the push toward Berlin, Alex Fosco took part in three major battles on the way to victory over the Nazis.
The oldest of five children and only son, Alex Fosco was born on Sept. 19, 1925, in Chicago. His family lived in the Italian neighborhood at Taylor and Halsted streets.
Fosco enjoyed spending time with his extended family, especially his maternal grandmother, Angelina Vespa. “She spoke Italian to me, but we were encouraged not to speak it outside of the home because they wanted us to be American,” he says.
Fosco was drafted, like most of the young men in his neighborhood. “Our country needed us,” says Fosco.
In January 1944, he reported to Fort Sheridan for processing into the United States Army and then shipped to Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky, for Basic Training. He received additional training in heavy mortar operation. “I volunteered for this specialty because I felt it was important,” says Fosco.
Fosco was assigned to the 75th Division, 290th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, Company D. He was deployed to England in November 1944 and fought in the European Theater, advancing through the countryside with his unit and pushing the Germans back through Belgium and France toward Germany. He started out as a second gunner in the 81 MM Mortar Platoon. “My job was to drop the shells into the mortar,” Fosco says.
On Christmas Eve 1944, Fosco fought the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge. Under a heavy barrage of gunfire, he continued loading mortars, but after a volley of shots, the gun misfired, a potentially dangerous situation for the gun crew. Meanwhile, his squad leader was hit by enemy fire and suffered severe injuries to his arms.
In the confusion of battle, Fosco initially thought the mortar had blown up. Recovering his bearings and still under heavy fire, the quick-thinking Fosco first attended to the immediate threat. “I picked up the mortar and defused it,” Fosco says. “I did exactly what I was supposed to do to keep it from exploding.” Then Fosco turned his attention to his squad leader, grabbing a first aid kit and rushing to his side. “I patched him up the best I could before they took him for help,” Fosco says.
In the following weeks, Fosco’s unit continued advancing, battle after battle. Casualties were high. He was promoted from private to staff sergeant during his time in combat and acted as squad and section leader. “I supervised 10 men operating two 81 MM heavy mortars,” Fosco says. As a forward observer, he searched the area for the enemy and directed members of his team.
When General Patton jumped into the icy river in Luxembourg and swam across as an inspiration to his troops, Fosco witnessed it from a distance. “Patton really was a kind of crazy guy,” Fosco says, “but I respected him.”
After the war in Europe ended, Fosco remained in Germany as part of the Occupation Army. Patrolling through the countryside and towns, he stopped people he encountered and asked for their papers as part of the process of identifying if they were civilians or possible enemies. “I still remember asking them in German, ‘Zeig mir deine papiere,’” Fosco says. Though 1945 was a long time ago, Fosco vividly recalls the local children watching the soldiers eat. “They looked hungry,” he says. “I couldn’t eat. I gave my food to the kids.”
Fosco returned to the United States in July 1945 with orders to train at Fort Lewis, Washington, for the invasion of Japan. While he was home in Chicago, he married his sweetheart, Caroline Marchegianni, on Aug. 5, 1945, the day before the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Fosco’s orders were then changed, and he transferred to Austin, Texas, to finish out his military service. He was discharged in April 1946 with the rank of technical sergeant.
Fosco received the European Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars as well as a Good Conduct Medal.
Fosco suffers from 75 percent permanent hearing loss as a result of firing mortars. The teen from a poor family learned how to survive while battling the Germans in harsh winter conditions. “I went there as a boy and grew up fast,” Fosco says. ”What I remember most is that we made it home.”
Thank you for your service Alex!
From an article written by longtime Fra Noi correspondent Linda Grisolia on February 12, 2021. Alex Fosco passed on May 1, 2022. He will be greatly missed.
franoi.com/profiles/army-mortar-squad-leader-alex-fosco/
U.S. Navy Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class
Robert John Theriault, Sr. "Jack"
Jack was born on September 6, 1925, in Marquette, MI. Jack joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1943 after graduating from High School. He underwent recruit training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois, and went on to graduate from U.S. Naval Hospital Corp School in Bainbridge, Maryland as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class.
In 1944, after further training in various hospitals, Jack was transferred to the U.S. Marine Medical Training Center at Camp Pendelton, CA, where he received even further training. He was then transferred overseas and assigned to the 6th Marine Division in the field during the Okinawa campaign. Jack was honorably discharged from the Navy in May of 1946 as a Pharmacist 2nd Class, having earned the American Area Ribbon, The World War II Victory Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with one bronze star and the 6th Marine Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.
Thank you for your service and dedication to our country Jack.
Jack pictured here wearing his Navy dress uniform.
Jack (right) with his brother
U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Jeanette Byrnes
Colonel Byrnes of Hermiston, Ore., was born in Manchester, N.H., in 1940, and passed away in 2021, at the age of 81. She joined the U.S. Air Force where she served as a Medevac Nurse during the Vietnam War. She served 11 years active duty and many additional years in the Army Reserves.
She eventually retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her assignments included the U.S. Army 124th Army Reserve Command.
She was also assigned to the 352nd Combat Support Hospital in Dublin, California.
Ribbons/Medals Jeanette was awarded Include:
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon/Medal with date bar: Ribbons/Medals Jeanette was awarded Include:
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon/Medal with date bar:
The Vietnam Campaign medal/ribbon was issued with a device known as the 1960 Bar. The bar displays the date of 1960 (or simply “60”) followed by a dash and a blank space. The unusual appearance was caused by the government of the Republic of Vietnam stating that the 1960 bar would show the dates of the Vietnam War from start to finish, with the ending date placed on the 1960 bar after the South Vietnamese had triumphed over North Vietnam (the Democratic Republic of Vietnam). Since South Vietnam fell, and the government ceased to exist, an ending date for the 1960 bar was never established.
The Vietnam Campaign medal/ribbon was issued with a device known as the 1960 Bar. The bar displays the date of 1960 (or simply “60”) followed by a dash and a blank space. The unusual appearance was caused by the government of the Republic of Vietnam stating that the 1960 bar would show the dates of the Vietnam War from start to finish, with the ending date placed on the 1960 bar after the South Vietnamese had triumphed over North Vietnam (the Democratic Republic of Vietnam). Since South Vietnam fell, and the government ceased to exist, an ending date for the 1960 bar was never established.
U.S. Army National Defense Service Ribbon/Medal
Vietnam Service Ribbon/Medal
The Army Reserve Component Achievement Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Jeanette no doubt comforted countless numbers of U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen throughout her military and civilian career, and for that we thank her.
“She was just a common soldier and her ranks are growing thin. But her presence should remind us we may need her ranks again. If we cannot do her honor while she's here to hear the praise. Then at least let's give her homage, at the ending of her days. Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper might say: 'Our country is in mourning, for a soldier died today”.
Jeanette’s U.S. Army reserve uniform will be displayed at the Providence Military Museum in remembrance of her service.
U.S. Army Major Cromwell D. St. Clair Jr.
Born just before the end of World War, one on August 19th, in 1918, in Lanett, Chambers County, Alabama, Major St. Clair enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces on January 23rd, 1942, as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was a member of the first pilot class, P-1, in the summer of 1942 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was trained as an Army L-4 aircraft pilot ("L" standing for Liaison). The L-4 was the military version of the Piper Cub. The L-4 was known as a "Grasshopper" because of its ability to take off and land in short distances, similar to a grasshopper's jumping ability, and its lightweight, rugged design. The L-4 Grasshopper provided crucial aerial reconnaissance for identifying enemy positions and assessing terrain during World War II. It played a key role in directing artillery fire, enhancing precision targeting, and minimizing ammunition waste.
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Cromwell Duncan St. Clair's Army Registration Card
After graduation from pilot school, Major St. Clair was assigned to the 92nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion (AFAB) as a liaison observation pilot attached to the U.S. Army 2nd Armored Division. He stayed with that unit as a Battalion pilot during the Tunisian Campaign (1943) in England for subsequent training and then he participated in the France invasion and follow-on combat through germany. He ended up in Berlin. The Major's son, Duncan St. Clair, told me that his father was extremely proud to have served alongside the 2nd Armored Division during the war. On June 9, 1944, the 2nd Armored Division landed on Omaha Beach in the invasion of the Normandy. There, the division known as “Hell on Wheels” fought the Germans near Avranches and then crossed through France as part of the Third Army before reaching Germany in September 1944.
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In 1945, after 33 months overseas, Major St.Clair wrote " I was lucky to have the same L-4 for the entire war".
1st Lieutenant Cromwell D. St. Clair pictured here with his L-4
Color photo of an L-4 Grasshopper for reference
Documents provided by Duncan St. Clair
Major St. Clair, Jr., was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 7 oak leaf clusters (7 more Air Medals) and the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 2nd Armored Division. He flew more than 450 combat missions. He would also go on to serve during the Korean War and Vietnam War.
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Major St. Clair was discharged from the Army on January 31, 1966. He passed on April 12, 1999. Had it not been for men like Major St. Clair, the world surely would have been a vastly different place.
Caricature provided by Duncan St. Clair
"Some people have lived an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem".
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Ronald Reagan
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Thank you for your service to our country Major St. Clair