- 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 (textile) , metal and thread
- Dimensions
- H x W: 39 3/4 × 16 1/2 in. (101 × 41.9 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 pair of green fatigue pants worn by United States Coast Guard Lt. Merle J. Smith, Jr. The pants have two pockets in front as well as two pockets on the either side of the pant legs and two rear pockets. They close with a button and zipper in front. The rear has two pockets. The waistband has cinching waist adjustments at the sides. The bottom of the pant legs are tapered with drawstrings.
- Place used
- Viet Nam, Asia
- New London, New London County, Connecticut, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Clothing - Military Uniforms
- Type
- uniforms
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Merle J. Smith, Jr.
- Object number
- 2014.32.3.2
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




