- 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
- 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.




