- 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
- 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.




