On View
Military History Gallery
Exhibition
Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
Manufactured by
Bonham Manufacturing Company Inc., American
Worn by
Brown, James Edward II, American
Used by
United States Army, American, founded 1775
Date
1970
Medium
cotton (fiber) and plastic
Dimensions
H x W: 30 x 35 in. (76.2 x 88.9 cm)
Caption
This short-sleeved Army fatigue shirt belonged to Spc. James Edward Brown II of the 20th Engineer Brigade. During the Vietnam War, Brown’s unit cleared jungles, paved roads, and built bridges to support American and allied forces.
Description
Military fatigue shirt worn by Spc. James E. Brown II (Delta Company, 31st Combat Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade) during the Vietnam War. The short sleeve, olive green, 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.
Place used
Viet Nam, Asia
Cambodia, Asia
Classification
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Type
uniforms
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
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e23a58d5-4768-4a4b-83f9-d2f73516ebd7

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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