Created by
United States Department of Defense
Subject of
United States Armed Forces, American, founded 1775
Owned by
General Powell, Colin L., American, 1937 - 2021
Date
1989-1993
Medium
enamel on metal
Caption
This Department of Defense (DOD) seal was presented to General Colin Powell during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993). It was part of a presentation case that included fifteen streamers, seven seals, and an engraved metal plaque that reads, in part, "Presented to General Colin L. Powell ... with respect and admiration from the men and women of the United States Armed Forces."
Description
A multicolored metal seal of the United States Department of Defense, owned by General Colin L. Powell. The large round enamel inner face of this emblem features a bright blue background. An American bald eagle is engraved in the center, facing to the right and clutching three crossed arrows in its talons. Below the eagle is a curved engraving of the symbolic olive branch. A three-star (3) red, white, and blue U.S. flag shield is superimposed over the eagle, and thirteen (13) brass stars are engraved above its head. In the large black outer ring of the emblem, engraved in brass, is: “DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. The outermost of the emblem is bordered by a wreath of white, black, and red enamel over golden bronze.
Place depicted
United States, North and Central America
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Type
seals
Topic
Government
Military
Ornamentation
U.S. History, 1969-2001
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alma J. Powell
Object number
A2022.101.1.2.1
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5526362ec-2ea7-4c71-85d3-c7961d84faf5

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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