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  • Image for Photograph of an American soldier in Vietnam

    Photograph of an American soldier in Vietnam

    A color photograph of a soldier in Vietnam. This image depicts a young man in olive green army fatigue pants. Shirtless, he wears sunglasses and combat boots as he leans against an upright sheet of corrugated metal. He holds a cigarette in his left hand and wears a watch on his right wrist. In the background are several army trucks and the figure of a man, also shirtless, bending over.
    Photograph by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph of a soldier in Vietnam. This image depicts a young man in olive green army fatigue pants. Shirtless, he wears sunglasses and combat boots as he leans against an upright sheet of corrugated metal. He holds a cigarette in his left hand and wears a watch on his right wrist. In the background are several army trucks and the figure of a man, also shirtless, bending over.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.3.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
  • Image for Knight's badge of the National Order of Vietnam issued to First Lt. John Warren

    Knight's badge of the National Order of Vietnam issued to First Lt. John Warren

    Knight's badge of the National Order of Vietnam features a circular medal. The ribbon is red with a yellow border stripes. The pinback is missing. The medal hangs from its ribbon by a circular metal double ended loop with a central decorative bar of a dragon's head with green accents. The medallion has a center circle with five radiating decorative gold points similar to a star....
    Issued by
    Republic of Vietnam, Vietnamese, 1955 - 1975
    Received by
    Warren, John Earl Jr., American, 1946 - 1969
    Medium
    metal with enamel and silk (textile)
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 3 15/16 × 1 7/8 × 5/16 in. (10 × 4.8 × 0.8 cm)
    Type
    medals
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Place depicted
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    1967-1975
    Description
    Knight's badge of the National Order of Vietnam features a circular medal. The ribbon is red with a yellow border stripes. The pinback is missing. The medal hangs from its ribbon by a circular metal double ended loop with a central decorative bar of a dragon's head with green accents. The medallion has a center circle with five radiating decorative gold points similar to a star. In between each point is the rest of the dragon's green body with a larger section including his tail at the bottom of the medal. In the central circle, a red circle has words in gold, [TO QUOC / TRAIN] with a blue and gold Greek fret border. The medal is in an upwards concave. The back is blank.
    Topic
    Military
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gloria Warren-Baskin, sister of Lt. John E. Warren, Jr.
    Object number
    2017.112.9
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Photograph of two American soldiers in Vietnam

    Photograph of two American soldiers in Vietnam

    A color photograph for two soldiers in Vietnam. Wearing military fatigues and standing side by side, the figure of the right wears a boonie hat, olive green tee shirt and cargo pants. The figure on the left is bareheaded and is wearing a long sleeved coat and cargo pants. He holds a beverage can in his right hand; his left is in his pocket. Both gaze directly at the viewer....
    Created by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 1/2 x 3 7/16 in. (8.9 x 8.7 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph for two soldiers in Vietnam. Wearing military fatigues and standing side by side, the figure of the right wears a boonie hat, olive green tee shirt and cargo pants. The figure on the left is bareheaded and is wearing a long sleeved coat and cargo pants. He holds a beverage can in his right hand; his left is in his pocket. Both gaze directly at the viewer. In the background is a large military tent made of wood and canvas.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.4.4
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
  • Image for Tri-Continential Information Center Bulletin Vol. 1 No. 8

    Tri-Continential Information Center Bulletin Vol. 1 No. 8

    This edition of the Tri-Continental Information Center Bulletin details the wars in Portuguese controlled African countries. The edition is white paper with black text. The title reads: [UNKNOWN WAR IN PORTUGUESE WEST AFRICA]. The bulletin features articles written by Basil Davidson and Regis Debray. In the bottom right corner of the back page, handwritten text reads: [APRIL / 1968].
    Created by
    Tri-Continental Information Center, founded 1967
    Written by
    Debray, Régis, French, born 1940
    Subject of
    Davidson, Basil, British, 1914 - 2010
    Guevara, Che, Argentine, 1928 - 1967
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W (Sheet): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)
    Type
    newspapers
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera
    Place used
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Place depicted
    West Africa, Africa
    Peru, Latin America, South America
    Cuba, Caribbean, Latin America, North and Central America
    Hanoi, Viet Nam, Asia
    Guinea, West Africa, Africa
    Date
    December 1967
    Description
    This edition of the Tri-Continental Information Center Bulletin details the wars in Portuguese controlled African countries. The edition is white paper with black text. The title reads: [UNKNOWN WAR IN PORTUGUESE WEST AFRICA]. The bulletin features articles written by Basil Davidson and Regis Debray. In the bottom right corner of the back page, handwritten text reads: [APRIL / 1968].
    Topic
    Activism
    Africa
    Black power
    International affairs
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2015.97.27.40
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Tri-Continental Information Center. Permission required for use.
  • Image for Photograph of two American soldiers in Vietnam

    Photograph of two American soldiers in Vietnam

    A color photograph of two American soldiers in Vietnam. The figure on the left wears a boonie hat and an olive green tee-shirt tucked into olive green cargo pants. He has a metal carabineer hooked to his right hand pants belt loop. The figure on the right wears an olive green military shirt with rolled up sleeves and sunglasses....
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Photograph by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph of two American soldiers in Vietnam. The figure on the left wears a boonie hat and an olive green tee-shirt tucked into olive green cargo pants. He has a metal carabineer hooked to his right hand pants belt loop. The figure on the right wears an olive green military shirt with rolled up sleeves and sunglasses. He is giving a high five to the other figure with his right hand. He faces the camera frontally and gazes at the viewer over the top of his sunglasses. The other figure stands sideways to the camera and returns the high five with his raised right hand. His left arm, raised to the same level, makes a fist. This figure turns his head to the right towards the viewer. In the background are two indistinct and partially visible figures, one standing next to a large dark grey cargo container, the other standing next to a mechanical device, possibly a motorcycle. In the distance are brown and green fields.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.4.6
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain
  • Image for Photograph of an American soldier in Vietnam

    Photograph of an American soldier in Vietnam

    A color photograph of a soldier in Vietnam. This image depicts a young man in olive green army fatigues, standing in an open, grassy area. Behind him are palm trees and jungle foliage, and a mountain in the background. The man stands facing the viewer, hand on hips. He is in shadow and the picture is slightly unfocused.
    Photograph by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 3/8 x 4 1/4 in. (8.6 x 10.8 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph of a soldier in Vietnam. This image depicts a young man in olive green army fatigues, standing in an open, grassy area. Behind him are palm trees and jungle foliage, and a mountain in the background. The man stands facing the viewer, hand on hips. He is in shadow and the picture is slightly unfocused.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.3.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Vietnam

    Vietnam

    Graphic booklet with a black and white illustration on the front cover. The illustration depicts soldiers wading into a river with dense tropical foliage along the riverbank. Palm fronds are prominent in the right middle ground of the image. The soldiers are all helmeted and carry their weapons and packs above their heads. At the top in large, white block letters is the title [VIETNAM]....
    Written by
    Representative Julian Bond, American, 1940 - 2015
    Illustrated by
    Lewis, T. G., American
    Owned by
    Bailey, Jan, American, 1942 - 2010
    Medium
    paper, ink, metal
    Dimensions
    H x W: 11 × 8 1/2 × 1/16 in. (27.9 × 21.6 × 0.2 cm)
    Type
    publications
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials
    Exhibition
    A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 1, C1 053
    Place depicted
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    1967
    Description
    Graphic booklet with a black and white illustration on the front cover. The illustration depicts soldiers wading into a river with dense tropical foliage along the riverbank. Palm fronds are prominent in the right middle ground of the image. The soldiers are all helmeted and carry their weapons and packs above their heads. At the top in large, white block letters is the title [VIETNAM]. In the lower right corner is the artist's signature and date [T.G.Lewis '67].
    Topic
    International affairs
    Literature
    Military
    Politics (Practical)
    United States--History--1961-1969
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.201.33
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Julian Bond. Permission required for use.
  • Image for Military fatigue shirt worn by James E. Brown of the 20th Engineer Brigade

    Military fatigue shirt worn by James E. Brown of the 20th Engineer Brigade

    A Vietnam War olive green short sleeve military shirt. This button down style shirt is missing two front plastic buttons. It has four pockets on the front, each with a flap and a two button closure. Extremely worn, it has a large faded patch over the front right side....
    Manufactured by
    Bonham Manufacturing Company Inc., American
    Worn by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Used by
    United States Army, American, founded 1775
    Medium
    cotton (fiber) and plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W: 30 x 35 in. (76.2 x 88.9 cm)
    Type
    uniforms
    Classification
    Clothing-Historical
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Place used
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A Vietnam War olive green short sleeve military shirt. This button down style shirt is missing two front plastic buttons. It has four pockets on the front, each with a flap and a two button closure. Extremely worn, it has a large faded patch over the front right side. There are holes throughout: on the left top breast pocket, on the front button placket, next to right hand breast pocket and into right armpit. There is a name patch reading 'BROWN' over right top pocket and a patch reading 'U.S. Army' over left top pocket. It has a fold over style collar, very worn at the back of neck. There is a United States Military Assistance Command shoulder sleeve insignia on the right shoulder. It consists of a shield shaped patch with a black sword between black battlements. There is a 20th Engineer Brigade shoulder insignia on the left shoulder. It consists of a diamond shaped patch with a black three turret tower inside a broken black border on green field.
    Back:
    There is a small hole in the right shoulder, and large tears along bottom left hem. There is fading and discoloration throughout.
    Inside:
    There is a sewn-in tag at the collar. It is a white rectangle with black print.
    'MEDIUM-SHORT/ Chest 37-41 inches/ HEIGHT: Up to 57 inches/ 8405-935-4707'
    There is a sewn-in tag on lower right side. It is a white rectangle with black print. For full text please see notes text entries.
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Men
    Military
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • The Black G.I. Black Journal segment

    16mm motion picture film of The Black G.I. [Black Journal segment]

    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Directed by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Produced by
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Bennett, L. Howard, American, 1913 - 1993
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1,800 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place filmed
    H? Chí Minh, Viet Nam, Asia
    Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Asia
    Arlington County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Description
    This preservation 16mm color film is an hour-long documentary segment of Episode No. 22 of the NET (National Educational Television) television program, Black Journal; a weekly public television newsmagazine in the late 1960s/early 1970s that examined the many issues pertinent to the black American experience at the time. It was originally broadcast on March 30, 1970, and is believed to have been filmed over the course of 1969. Episode No. 22 of Black Journal was directed by Stan Lathan, while the "Black G.I." segment was directed by Kent Garrett. Executive Produced by William Greaves.
    Contains: 16mm Film (a), Original 1,600 foot Film Reel (b), and Original 1,600 foot Film Canister (c).
    2012.79.1.51.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a narration over images of African American men in the history of the US military. The first moving image section shows African American men fighting during World War II. The narrator discusses the irony of African American men fighting for freedom in Europe while not enjoying the same freedoms in the US. There are multiple shots of the Tuskegee Airmen. Eleanor Roosevelt pins (unknown) medal on African American soldier. Next, newsreel footage of Joe Louis arriving at an airbase and greeting black troops. The narrator then talks about the desegregation of the US military during the Korean War and points out the lack of black soldiers in leadership positions. Color footage marks the transition of the narration to coverage of the Vietnam War. Two African American soldiers in civilian clothing with soul power patches can be seen dapping. Series of brief excerpts from interviews of black soldiers play, each stating their position on being black and in the military during the Vietnam War. The narrator reveals the disproportionate percentage of black men who are killed in action versus their white counterparts. There are multiple shots of combat and post-combat footage in Vietnamese rice fields and footage of riverside villages. Two sailors patrol a river and discuss their experience in Vietnam thus far and what they'll do when they get home. They discuss their mission and how to be black while being in the military. A girl group performs at the USO in Saigon. Tanks and amored personnel carriers patrol suspected enemy locations along border with North Vietnam. Sailors on a patrol boat open fire at the river bank and a confederate flag can be seen flying from a flag pole on board. Black sailors discuss cultural challenges of being in the Navy and the lack entertainment geared towards black musical tastes of the time. One sailor talks about being disciplined for getting into an altercation after a white sailor ripped his tape player from the wall for playing soul music. The narrator reveals that an all white court martial found the sailor, Bobby Jenkins, guilty of assault, demoted him and docked his pay. A sailor relays that he and other African Americans met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for civil rights to discuss their poor treatment and were promised changes by the Assistant Secretary. The sailors talk about how some local Vietnamese have adopted some of the negative perceptions of African Americans, which some black sailors believe they learned from some white members of the military. The sailors discuss how their hands are tied when it comes to standing up for their rights as sailors on a patrol boat dap and salute the camera with black/soul power fists. Air Force fighter pilot, John Bordeaux, discusses his personal experience of not facing the same discrimination expressed by other African American military personnel. Two black career Army officers, Davis and Rogers, discuss the systematic discrimination they've faced; in particular, they recall incidents of being passed over for promotions despite strong credentials. Brigadier General Frederick E. Davison, the first African American combat general, rejects the assertion that an African American who succeeds in the military is an Uncle Tom and discusses the many actions that the Army has taken to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. A cover of "Sittin' on a Dock in the Bay" plays over a montage of black soldiers in the field. A group of black Marines in a mess hall at Camp Hansen, Okinawa discuss the unfair treatment they've experienced, such as being forced to wear a collared shirt with their dashikis and not being allowed to wear their hair in an afro. One marine relates an incident in which they were violently confronted after returning from a USO show that primarily featured soul music. There is a series of shots of shops in Koza "Four Corners", Okinawa geared towards African American soldiers. Another group of soldiers discuss their dissatisfaction with being drafted to fight in Vietnam despite social and economic discrimination at home, and being harassed and targeted as being "troublesome" if they decide to attend country music night at local clubs. L. Howard Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, discusses how black soldiers complaining about the lack of soul music are expressing grievances beyond simply entertainment selection and dissatisfaction with communcation in the chain of command. He also states his opinion that black soldiers fighting for the US puts them in a better position to demand equal rights at home.
    2012.79.1.51.1b: Original 1,600 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.51.1c: Original 1,600 foot film canister. The metal film canister has two sticker labels; each from a different film services company.
    Topic
    Film
    Gesture
    Mass media
    Military
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.51.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
  • Image for Photograph of four American soldiers in Vietnam

    Photograph of four American soldiers in Vietnam

    A color photograph of four American soldiers in Vietnam. Wearing military fatigues and standing side by side, they stand with right arms raised and fists loosely clenched. The figure on the far left wears only pants, a small necklace, and a watch around his left wrist. He slightly shorter than the other three men. The other three wear olive green fatigue shirts and cargo pants....
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Photograph by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph of four American soldiers in Vietnam. Wearing military fatigues and standing side by side, they stand with right arms raised and fists loosely clenched. The figure on the far left wears only pants, a small necklace, and a watch around his left wrist. He slightly shorter than the other three men. The other three wear olive green fatigue shirts and cargo pants. The first and second figure from the right hold beverage cans in their left hands.The figure on the far right also holds a cigarette between the fingers of his left hand. The second figure from the right leans heavily towards the soldier on his proper right hand side. All four gaze at the viewer. In the background is a large dark grey shipping container with one door open.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.4.5
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
  • Image for Photograph of an American soldier leaning on a jeep in Vietnam

    Photograph of an American soldier leaning on a jeep in Vietnam

    A color photograph of a soldier in olive green military fatigues leaning against a military jeep. Wearing sunglasses and his hat sideways, he poses with his left fist on his hip and his right arm resting on the jeep's hood. He gazes over the top of his sunglasses at the viewer. The jeep is olive green with the words "HARD CORE" painted in white letters across the bottom of the windshield....
    Created by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph of a soldier in olive green military fatigues leaning against a military jeep. Wearing sunglasses and his hat sideways, he poses with his left fist on his hip and his right arm resting on the jeep's hood. He gazes over the top of his sunglasses at the viewer. The jeep is olive green with the words "HARD CORE" painted in white letters across the bottom of the windshield. There is a red castle painted between the words. The same red castle is depicted on a white sign attached to the jeep's front grill. One the other side of the figure is a stack of filled sacks. In the background are oil drums and other military gear.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.4.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain

  • The Black G.I. Black Journal segment

    16mm motion picture film of The Black G.I. [Black Journal segment]

    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Directed by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Produced by
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Bennett, L. Howard, American, 1913 - 1993
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1,800 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place filmed
    H? Chí Minh, Viet Nam, Asia
    Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Asia
    Arlington County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Description
    This 16mm color film is an hour-long documentary segment of Episode No. 22 of the NET (National Educational Television) television program, Black Journal; a weekly public television newsmagazine in the late 1960s/early 1970s that examined the many issues pertinent to the black American experience at the time. It was originally broadcast on March 30, 1970, and is believed to have been filmed over the course of 1969. Episode No. 22 of Black Journal was directed by Stan Lathan, while the "Black G.I." segment was directed by Kent Garrett. Executive Produced by William Greaves.
    Contains: 16mm Film (a), Original 1,600 foot Film Reel (b), and Original 1,600 foot Film Canister (c).
    2012.79.1.51.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a narration over images of African American men in the history of the US military. The first moving image section shows African American men fighting during World War II. The narrator discusses the irony of African American men fighting for freedom in Europe while not enjoying the same freedoms in the US. There are multiple shots of the Tuskegee Airmen. Eleanor Roosevelt pins (unknown) medal on African American soldier. Next, newsreel footage of Joe Louis arriving at an airbase and greeting black troops. The narrator then talks about the desegregation of the US military during the Korean War and points out the lack of black soldiers in leadership positions. Color footage marks the transition of the narration to coverage of the Vietnam War. Two African American soldiers in civilian clothing with soul power patches can be seen dapping. Series of brief excerpts from interviews of black soldiers play, each stating their position on being black and in the military during the Vietnam War. The narrator reveals the disproportionate percentage of black men who are killed in action versus their white counterparts. There are multiple shots of combat and post-combat footage in Vietnamese rice fields and footage of riverside villages. Two sailors patrol a river and discuss their experience in Vietnam thus far and what they'll do when they get home. They discuss their mission and how to be black while being in the military. A girl group performs at the USO in Saigon. Tanks and amored personnel carriers patrol suspected enemy locations along border with North Vietnam. Sailors on a patrol boat open fire at the river bank and a confederate flag can be seen flying from a flag pole on board. Black sailors discuss cultural challenges of being in the Navy and the lack entertainment geared towards black musical tastes of the time. One sailor talks about being disciplined for getting into an altercation after a white sailor ripped his tape player from the wall for playing soul music. The narrator reveals that an all white court martial found the sailor, Bobby Jenkins, guilty of assault, demoted him and docked his pay. A sailor relays that he and other African Americans met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for civil rights to discuss their poor treatment and were promised changes by the Assistant Secretary. The sailors talk about how some local Vietnamese have adopted some of the negative perceptions of African Americans, which some black sailors believe they learned from some white members of the military. The sailors discuss how their hands are tied when it comes to standing up for their rights as sailors on a patrol boat dap and salute the camera with black/soul power fists. Air Force fighter pilot, John Bordeaux, discusses his personal experience of not facing the same discrimination expressed by other African American military personnel. Two black career Army officers, Davis and Rogers, discuss the systematic discrimination they've faced; in particular, they recall incidents of being passed over for promotions despite strong credentials. Brigadier General Frederick E. Davison, the first African American combat general, rejects the assertion that an African American who succeeds in the military is an Uncle Tom and discusses the many actions that the Army has taken to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. A cover of "Sittin' on a Dock in the Bay" plays over a montage of black soldiers in the field. A group of black Marines in a mess hall at Camp Hansen, Okinawa discuss the unfair treatment they've experienced, such as being forced to wear a collared shirt with their dashikis and not being allowed to wear their hair in an afro. One marine relates an incident in which they were violently confronted after returning from a USO show that primarily featured soul music. There is a series of shots of shops in Koza "Four Corners", Okinawa geared towards African American soldiers. Another group of soldiers discuss their dissatisfaction with being drafted to fight in Vietnam despite social and economic discrimination at home, and being harassed and targeted as being "troublesome" if they decide to attend country music night at local clubs. L. Howard Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, discusses how black soldiers complaining about the lack of soul music are expressing grievances beyond simply entertainment selection and dissatisfaction with communcation in the chain of command. He also states his opinion that black soldiers fighting for the US puts them in a better position to demand equal rights at home.
    2012.79.1.51.1b: Original 1,600 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.51.1c: Original 1,600 foot film canister. The metal film canister has two sticker labels; each from a different film services company.
    Topic
    Film
    Gesture
    Mass media
    Military
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.51.1a
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
  • Image for Young Worker Vol. 3 No. 2

    Young Worker Vol. 3 No. 2

    A pamphlet made of black ink on a white paper. The front cover has black ink on a green cover and features a black and white photograph of demonstrators in New York protesting the Vietnam War. The interior consists of twenty-eight pages of text and photographs. The back of the pamphlet has a black and white photograph of protestors.
    Published by
    Young Communist League, American, founded 1920
    Subject of
    Communist Party of the United States of America, American, founded 1919
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 10 11/16 x 8 1/16 in. (27.2 x 20.5 cm)
    Type
    pamphlets
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera
    Place depicted
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    1972
    Description
    A pamphlet made of black ink on a white paper. The front cover has black ink on a green cover and features a black and white photograph of demonstrators in New York protesting the Vietnam War. The interior consists of twenty-eight pages of text and photographs. The back of the pamphlet has a black and white photograph of protestors.
    Topic
    International affairs
    Mass media
    Political organizations
    Politics (Practical)
    United States--History--1969-2001
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the family of Dr. Maurice Jackson and Laura Ginsburg
    Object number
    2010.55.47
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Photograph of an American soldier in Vietnam

    Photograph of an American soldier in Vietnam

    A color photograph of a soldier in Vietnam. This image depicts a young man in olive green army fatigues. Behind him are palm trees and jungle foliage, with a fallen tree and a clearing in the background. The man stands facing the viewer, hand on hips. The picture is slightly unfocused.
    Photograph by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 3/8 x 4 1/4 in. (8.6 x 10.8 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place depicted
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph of a soldier in Vietnam. This image depicts a young man in olive green army fatigues. Behind him are palm trees and jungle foliage, with a fallen tree and a clearing in the background. The man stands facing the viewer, hand on hips. The picture is slightly unfocused.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.3.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • Bible used during Vietnam War by soldier Thomas Smith

    Bible with a black leather cover. The cover is very worn and all markings and lettering has faded away. The pages are very brittle and deteriorating. The title and copyright pages are missing as are several others. Many pages are out of order and are dog-eared.
    Published by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Smith, Thomas, American, died 1987
    Medium
    leather with ink on paper
    Dimensions
    7 1/2 x 6 x 2 in. (19.1 x 15.2 x 5.1 cm)
    Type
    Bibles
    Classification
    Religious and Sacred Objects
    Place used
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    early 20th century
    Description
    Bible with a black leather cover. The cover is very worn and all markings and lettering has faded away. The pages are very brittle and deteriorating. The title and copyright pages are missing as are several others. Many pages are out of order and are dog-eared.
    Topic
    Local and regional
    Military
    Religion
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Devlin Culliver
    Object number
    2012.163.4
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible

  • The Black G.I. Black Journal segment

    16mm motion picture film of The Black G.I. [Black Journal segment]

    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Directed by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Produced by
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Bennett, L. Howard, American, 1913 - 1993
    Medium
    16mm Film (a): acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1,800 Feet
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Place printed
    H? Chí Minh, Viet Nam, Asia
    Place filmed
    Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Asia
    Arlington County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1971
    Caption
    The Black G.I. is a two-part documentary episode of the television series Black Journal. It focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This film features frank and open discussions from soldiers, ranked officers, and politicians about the racism that defined the different experiences black soldiers had in this war.
    Description
    This preservation 16mm color film is an hour-long documentary segment of Episode No. 22 of the NET (National Educational Television) television program, Black Journal; a weekly public television newsmagazine in the late 1960s/early 1970s that examined the many issues pertinent to the black American experience at the time. It was originally broadcast on March 30, 1970, and is believed to have been filmed over the course of 1969. Episode No. 22 of Black Journal was directed by Stan Lathan, while the "Black G.I." segment was directed by Kent Garrett. Executive Produced by William Greaves.
    Contains: 16mm Film (a), Original 1,600 foot Film Reel (b), and Original 1,600 foot Film Canister (c).
    2012.79.1.51.1a: 16mm film. This film opens with a narration over images of African American men in the history of the US military. The first moving image section shows African American men fighting during World War II. The narrator discusses the irony of African American men fighting for freedom in Europe while not enjoying the same freedoms in the US. There are multiple shots of the Tuskegee Airmen. Eleanor Roosevelt pins (unknown) medal on African American soldier. Next, newsreel footage of Joe Louis arriving at an airbase and greeting black troops. The narrator then talks about the desegregation of the US military during the Korean War and points out the lack of black soldiers in leadership positions. Color footage marks the transition of the narration to coverage of the Vietnam War. Two African American soldiers in civilian clothing with soul power patches can be seen dapping. Series of brief excerpts from interviews of black soldiers play, each stating their position on being black and in the military during the Vietnam War. The narrator reveals the disproportionate percentage of black men who are killed in action versus their white counterparts. There are multiple shots of combat and post-combat footage in Vietnamese rice fields and footage of riverside villages. Two sailors patrol a river and discuss their experience in Vietnam thus far and what they'll do when they get home. They discuss their mission and how to be black while being in the military. A girl group performs at the USO in Saigon. Tanks and amored personnel carriers patrol suspected enemy locations along border with North Vietnam. Sailors on a patrol boat open fire at the river bank and a confederate flag can be seen flying from a flag pole on board. Black sailors discuss cultural challenges of being in the Navy and the lack entertainment geared towards black musical tastes of the time. One sailor talks about being disciplined for getting into an altercation after a white sailor ripped his tape player from the wall for playing soul music. The narrator reveals that an all white court martial found the sailor, Bobby Jenkins, guilty of assault, demoted him and docked his pay. A sailor relays that he and other African Americans met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for civil rights to discuss their poor treatment and were promised changes by the Assistant Secretary. The sailors talk about how some local Vietnamese have adopted some of the negative perceptions of African Americans, which some black sailors believe they learned from some white members of the military. The sailors discuss how their hands are tied when it comes to standing up for their rights as sailors on a patrol boat dap and salute the camera with black/soul power fists. Air Force fighter pilot, John Bordeaux, discusses his personal experience of not facing the same discrimination expressed by other African American military personnel. Two black career Army officers, Davis and Rogers, discuss the systematic discrimination they've faced; in particular, they recall incidents of being passed over for promotions despite strong credentials. Brigadier General Frederick E. Davison, the first African American combat general, rejects the assertion that an African American who succeeds in the military is an Uncle Tom and discusses the many actions that the Army has taken to ensure equal treatment and opportunities. A cover of "Sittin' on a Dock in the Bay" plays over a montage of black soldiers in the field. A group of black Marines in a mess hall at Camp Hansen, Okinawa discuss the unfair treatment they've experienced, such as being forced to wear a collared shirt with their dashikis and not being allowed to wear their hair in an afro. One marine relates an incident in which they were violently confronted after returning from a USO show that primarily featured soul music. There is a series of shots of shops in Koza "Four Corners", Okinawa geared towards African American soldiers. Another group of soldiers discuss their dissatisfaction with being drafted to fight in Vietnam despite social and economic discrimination at home, and being harassed and targeted as being "troublesome" if they decide to attend country music night at local clubs. L. Howard Bennett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, discusses how black soldiers complaining about the lack of soul music are expressing grievances beyond simply entertainment selection and dissatisfaction with communcation in the chain of command. He also states his opinion that black soldiers fighting for the US puts them in a better position to demand equal rights at home.
    2012.79.1.51.1b: Original 1,600 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.51.1c: Original 1,600 foot film canister. The metal film canister has two sticker labels; each from a different film services company.
    Topic
    Film
    Gesture
    Mass media
    Military
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.51.4ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
  • Image for Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal issued to First Lieutenant John E. Warren Jr.

    Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal issued to First Lieutenant John E. Warren Jr.

    The Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal features a Celtic cross medal. The ribbon has a wide yellow stripe in the center and two wide red stripes on either edge. The pinback is missing. A large palm leaf medallion covers the top of the ribbon. The medal hangs from its ribbon by a circular metal double ended loop with a central decorative bar....
    Issued by
    Republic of Vietnam, Vietnamese, 1955 - 1975
    Received by
    Warren, John Earl Jr., American, 1946 - 1969
    Medium
    fabric and metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 3 15/16 × 1 1/2 × 5/16 in. (10 × 3.8 × 0.9 cm)
    Type
    medals
    Classification
    Awards and Medals
    Place depicted
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    1967-1974
    Description
    The Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal features a Celtic cross medal. The ribbon has a wide yellow stripe in the center and two wide red stripes on either edge. The pinback is missing. A large palm leaf medallion covers the top of the ribbon. The medal hangs from its ribbon by a circular metal double ended loop with a central decorative bar. The medal has a central Celtic cross with two crossed swords between the cross arms. The cross is superimposed over a wreath. The center of the cross is a circle with an image of Vietnam between two palm branches. A scroll with text is over the image of the country stating, [QUOC / GIA LAO / TUONG]. The back of the medal is a continuation of the Celtic design with the swords and wreath. The central circle is blank.
    Topic
    Military
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gloria Warren-Baskin, sister of Lt. John E. Warren, Jr.
    Object number
    2017.112.8
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions

  • Poster promoting March and Rally for Peace, April 27, 1968

    A black and white poster advertising the March and Rally for Peace. The poster features four people holding signs protesting the Vietnam War. The top of the poster is printed with white text that reads: [HELP END / DEMONSTRATIONS]. At the bottom text reads: [END THE WAR] along with information about the meeting time and place of the march....
    Printed by
    Allied Printing Trades Council, founded 1911
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 22 1/8 x 15 3/4 in. (56.2 x 40 cm)
    Type
    posters
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Place depicted
    Manhattan, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    1968
    Description
    A black and white poster advertising the March and Rally for Peace. The poster features four people holding signs protesting the Vietnam War. The top of the poster is printed with white text that reads: [HELP END / DEMONSTRATIONS]. At the bottom text reads: [END THE WAR] along with information about the meeting time and place of the march. There is also a small Allied Printing Trades Council mark in the lower right hand corner. The back has a handwritten inscription that reads: [1968 US].
    Topic
    Activism
    Communication
    International affairs
    Justice
    Politics (Practical)
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2011.178.8
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
  • Image for Photograph of two American soldiers sitting on a jeep in Vietnam

    Photograph of two American soldiers sitting on a jeep in Vietnam

    A black and white photograph of two soldiers, in military fatigues, sitting on the edge of a jeep's wind shield. The two figures, side by side, each hold up their right fists in the air. The figure on the right wears a boonie hat and sunglasses, and a watch on his left wrist. The left hand figure is bareheaded and holds his boonies hat on his left knee....
    Created by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Medium
    silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Type
    gelatin silver prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A black and white photograph of two soldiers, in military fatigues, sitting on the edge of a jeep's wind shield. The two figures, side by side, each hold up their right fists in the air. The figure on the right wears a boonie hat and sunglasses, and a watch on his left wrist. The left hand figure is bareheaded and holds his boonies hat on his left knee. They are both perched on the edge of the windshield, boots resting on the jeep's hood. Both figures gaze smiling at the viewer.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.4.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain
  • Image for Photograph of American soldiers at a mess tent in Vietnam

    Photograph of American soldiers at a mess tent in Vietnam

    A color photograph of American soldiers standing by a mess tent with a flat roof. It depicts several soldiers clustered under and next to a wood structure with canvas sides. The canvas has been rolled up and piled on the structure's roof. Under the tent are several large metal pots and containers, one of which appears to contain food. In the foreground are two soldiers greeting each other....
    Subject of
    Unidentified Man or Men
    Photograph by
    Brown, James Edward II, American
    Medium
    dye on photographic paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 x 8.9 cm)
    Type
    dye diffusion transfer prints
    portraits
    Classification
    Media Arts-Photography
    Place captured
    Viet Nam, Asia
    Date
    ca. 1967
    Description
    A color photograph of American soldiers standing by a mess tent with a flat roof. It depicts several soldiers clustered under and next to a wood structure with canvas sides. The canvas has been rolled up and piled on the structure's roof. Under the tent are several large metal pots and containers, one of which appears to contain food. In the foreground are two soldiers greeting each other. The left hand figure, standing sideways to the viewer, wears an olive green peaked cap and olive green fatigue shirt with rolled up sleeves. He gestures with his right arm up, with his elbow bent, pointing outwards toward the viewer. He gazes straight ahead at the right hand figure who stands immediately in front of him. This soldier stands frontally to the viewer, his head turned to his right towards the other figure. He gestures with his right arm, holding it up and slightly out to the side, and bent at the elbow, nearly touching the other man's outstretched hand. He wears an olive green military shirt and cargo pants. His head, wearing a boonie hat, touches the rolled up canvas at the edge of the tent roof. Behind him a third man, standing under the tent roof and wearing cargo pants and a watch on his left wrist, dips his right hand into one of the metal pots. In the background is the front part of a military jeep, a large canvas tent, and stacks of metal barrels.
    Topic
    Men
    Military
    Race relations
    Vietnam War, 1961-1975
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of James E. Brown
    Object number
    2013.11.4.7
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible