On View
1968 & Beyond Gallery
Exhibition
A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
Manufactured by
Anvil Knitwear, Inc., founded 1876
Worn by
CMDR Smith, Merle J. Jr., American, died 2021
Subject of
United States Coast Guard, American, founded 1790
Date
1969
Medium
cotton (fiber) and plastic with thread
Dimensions
H x W: 32 1/2 × 19 3/4 in. (82.6 × 50.2 cm)
Caption
Commander Merle J. Smith, Jr. became the first African American graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1966. While serving in Vietnam as a cutter commander, Smith became the first African American to command a U.S. warship in close-quarters combat and was awarded the Bronze Star for actions in 1969.
Description
A green fatigue uniform jacket worn by United States Coast Guard Lt. Merle J. Smith, Jr. The jacket has four pockets in the front. The sleeves are flared with buttons attached to the cuffs near the body. At the collar corners are two patches with black stitched letters. The patch on the proper right side is the last name of the wearer that reads "SMITH." The patch on the proper left side is for the coast guard and reads "U.S. COAST GUARD." Attached to the collar on either side are bars indicating this jacket is for a lieutenant junior grade. Inside the jacket are labels indicating the size and washing instructions.
Place used
Viet Nam, Asia
Classification
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Type
uniforms
Topic
Clothing and dress
Military
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Merle J. Smith, Jr.
Object number
2014.32.3.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5acf84add-ee2c-4287-976c-72937484d355

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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