On View
Military History Gallery
Exhibition
Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
Created by
1st Infantry Regiment
Received by
General Powell, Colin L., American, 1937 - 2021
Subject of
United States Army, American, founded 1775
United States Department of Defense
United States Armed Forces, American, founded 1775
Date
September 1969
Medium
metal on wood
Dimensions
H x W: 10 × 8 × 3/4 in. (25.4 × 20.3 × 1.9 cm)
Caption
This plaque was presented to Major Colin Powell for his second tour in Vietnam. The Vietnam War was a training ground for many future American leaders. Powell later became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State.
Description
A wooden plaque commemorating the Third Battalion, First Infantry Regiment, Major Colin L. Powell’s military unit in Vietnam, presented to Powell September 1969. This square medium wooden plaque features a four-point beveled front and two metal plates. The center and largest plate depicts the outline and list of cities in the country of Vietnam, tracing the activities of the U.S. military presence during the war. In large black text the plaque reads “THIRD BATTALION, FIRST INFANTRY” and “ALWAYS FIRST”. The United States Army 1st Infantry “SEMPER PRIMUS” Unit Crest is positioned parallel to the Vietnam map and features a red-white-and blue coat of arms on a golden oval with emblazoned shield and belt. A rectangular metal plate at the bottom of the plaque is engraved with the text “MAJOR COLIN L. POWELL / EXECUTIVE OFFICER 3RDBN 1STINF / JULY 1968 SEPT 1969”. On the reverse of the plaque, at the top, is a metal hanging hook and a white paper label with black text that reads “94-0014”.
Place collected
McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia, United States
Place depicted
Viet Nam, Asia
Classification
Memorabilia and Ephemera - Other
Type
plaques
Topic
International affairs
Military
U.S. History, 1969-2001
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alma J. Powell
Object number
A2022.101.1.103
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd56d7217ad-fcb0-41ce-ac00-2ed21d4c0b13

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

Share this page