- Issued by
- United States Department of Defense
- Owned by
- General Powell, Colin L., American, 1937 - 2021
- Subject of
- United States Army, American, founded 1775
- United States Armed Forces, American, founded 1775
- Date
- 1989-1993
- Medium
- cotton (fiber) and polyester
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 3 7/8 in. (9.9 cm)
- Caption
- In October 1989, General Powell became the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), serving under President George H.W. Bush. He was also the first ROTC graduate to hold this position. Powell continued to serve as Chairman of the JCS under President Bill Clinton before retiring from the Army in 1993 after 35 years of service. This JCS identification patch was worn by General Powell while serving as Chairman.
- Description
- One (1) black cotton patch for the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff worn by General Colin L. Powell. This round patch features a large color embroidery of the seal of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff and a large round gold wreath interwoven in and around the gold badge-ribbon shape. There are four gold crossed swords superimposed by the red-white-and-blue flag shield. In dark blue embroidery along the scroll of the badge is “JOINT / CHIEFS OF STAFF”. On the reverse side are two brass color metal backings and black cotton without markings.
- Place used
- Ashepoo River, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
- Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Awards, Medals, and Insignia
- Type
- insignias
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alma J. Powell
- Object number
- A2022.101.1.64
- Restrictions & Rights
- No known copyright restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




