Issued by
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, American, founded 1924
Received by
Capt. Chinn, Wendell C. Sr., American
Subject of
Prairie View A&M University, American, founded 1876
United States Marine Corps, American, founded 1775
Date
before 1972
Medium
stainless steel with leather and cotton
Dimensions
H x W x D (2019.79a (sword)): 36 7/16 × 5 1/8 × 1 3/16 in. (92.5 × 13 × 3 cm)
H x W x D (2019.79b (scabbard )): 33 1/16 × 2 3/16 × 3/8 in. (84 × 5.5 × 1 cm)
H x W x D (2019.79ab (sword in scabbard )): 38 9/16 × 5 1/2 × 1 3/16 in. (98 × 14 × 3 cm)
H x W x D (2019.79c (case)): 41 5/16 × 7 11/16 × 1 3/16 in. (105 × 19.5 × 3 cm)
Caption
Captain Wendell Chinn, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) (1949- ) graduated from Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1972 as a part of the first four-year, all-Black Naval Reserves Officers Training Corps (NROTC) graduating class. Graduating with honors as the Battalion Commander of the NROTC, Chinn was awarded this Marine Corps Sword as the top midshipman of his class. After graduation, Chinn accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marines. Chinn served in the Marine Corps for over 9 years and earned two Presidential Unit Citations before retiring in 1981 at the rank of Captain.
Description
A US Marine Corps Sword (a), with scabbard (b) and sword sheath cover (c) (leather and cotton), presented to then 2nd Lt Wendell C. Chinn Sr., upon graduation from Prairie View A&M University in 1972. The sword is etched with a pattern and the text “United State Marines” and“Wendell C. Chinn” on the stainless steel blade. Etched on tip of blade is “50th Anniversary / PVAMU NROTC #1 of 5”. The sword has an ivory-colored hilt with gold metal accents and a gold metal rain-guard. The black corded tassel hangs from the curved pommel. The scabbard is also stainless steel with gold metal accents and chape. The sword and scabbard are housed in a black case with attached black handle and gold metal clasp.
Place used
Prairie View, Waller County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Weapons and Ammunition
Type
swords
Topic
HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
Military
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Captain Wendell C. Chinn, Sr., USMC (Ret.)
Object number
2019.79abc
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5754b3d18-bf9f-4b15-b89f-32d20f6ed411

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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