Issued by
United States Department of Defense
Worn 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
enamel on brass (alloy)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1 9/16 × 1 3/8 × 3/8 in. (4 × 3.5 × 1 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 badge was worn by General Powell while serving as Chairman.
Description
One (1) miniature Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge worn by General Colin L. Powell. The metal pin depicts a round silver color outer wreath interwoven in and around the gold badge-ribbon shape. There are four (4) crossed gold color swords with black text engraved on the golden ribbon that reads "JOINT / CHIEFS OF STAFF". When worn on the military Service uniform, the larger version of the badge is attached to the proper left side of the pleat on the proper left breast pocket. The miniature version is worn on the mess and evening mess uniforms.
Place used
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
badges
Topic
Clothing and dress
Government
Military
Politics
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
A2022.101.1.75
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5dc3ba202-f1d6-4fbf-9d83-811a48939f61

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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