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
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
2014.32.3.2
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ad97048c-5bb1-4602-a545-2ba002006b8e

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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