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Historical Military Photography

Black and white archival images capturing key moments and individuals from military history, including soldiers during World War I and notable military operations.

Close-up photograph of American troops returning aboard the Mauretania at the Port of Embarkation in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1919. The image shows the soldiers disembarking from the ship. Captured by photographer Sichal Corps. Number: 29322.
Close-up photograph of American troops returning aboard the Mauretania at the Port of Embarkation in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1919. The image shows the soldiers disembarking from the ship. Captured by photographer Sichal Corps. Number: 29322.
260 assets in this story
6145-51449823
The caption for this image could be: "Army Officer - Not Identified. Photograph taken in 1919 during activities in World War One. The image shows an unidentified army officer in uniform. (Photograph: 111-SC-10813)".
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An American soldier operating a Signal Corps apparatus during World War One. The soldier is seen wearing a gas mask as protection, and is communicating information through the device. This photograph was taken by a Signal Corps photographer as part of their documentation of military activities.
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"Bayonet practice conducted by non-commissioned officers of the 28th Division (N.G.) using British Army methods at Camp Hancock, Augusta, GA. Photograph taken on January 25, 1918, by P. Kingsmore. Released by W.. to Photo Div., 8. C. on January 26, 1918."
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An image showing various types of gas projectiles used by the Chemical Warfare Service during World War One. The photograph, taken in 1919, captures the different designs and fuzes of these projectiles. These were symbols issued by the Chemical Warfare Service for reference. Note the presence of the fuze "II FUZE GR. Z.04."
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Lt. William Fox and C. Photographer on January 3, 1919, captured this image labeled as 18SUED taken on December 31, 1918. The photo depicts 1st Lt. John L. Brock, Adjutant of the 6th Infantry, 5th Division in Treves, Germany. Additional notes include 4+372.
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Soldiers setting up telephone installations at Jefferson Barracks, as seen in this photograph. The image shows a terminal board in the basement under a switchboard at the hospital. Taken on February 10, 1919, by the Central Department Signal Corps photographer. 942985.
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An image of Signal Corps apparatus from World War One showing a pinned 200-watt fan. The apparatus, numbered 36,439, was used for communication and signaling purposes during the war. The fan played a role in supporting the functioning of the apparatus.
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This image depicts an 11" Sutton French mortar manufactured by the Hindley Gear Co. in Philadelphia, PA, for the U.S. Government during World War One. The photograph was taken on January 31, 1919, and the image was received by the Hindley Gear Co. It is marked with the identification number 48443. The image is meant for official use only.
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"Cpl. Newberg repairing a tape using a tape repair outfit in World War One. The photograph was taken on February 5th, 1919. This image shows a soldier ensuring that tapes are in working order, serving as evidence of the attention given to maintenance of military equipment during the war."
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Image of a plate battery box from World War 1, photographed by Sot.Polk.S.C. The description symbol is labeled as Plate Battery Box. It was issued and taken on January 6, 1920, with the identification number 67538.
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Lt. Sargent And Crew Of The 453Nd Bomb Group Beside A Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress". England, 7 October 1944.
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Private D.W. Kelly, from the Signal Corps, captured this photograph on October 23, 1918. It features Second Lieutenant P.P. Smith from Los Angeles, serving in the Air Service, at the Ford Junction Aerodrome in Sussex, England. The photograph was approved by the American Expeditionary Forces censor. The specific date of issuance is not provided, however, it is marked with the number 32271 on the back.
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Private MeLaughlin captured this photograph, marked as #33939 on 1-7-19. The image displays a German light Spandau aircraft gun from a left side view. The gun was located at the Ordinance Department in Tours, France. This item is part of 180UED M Held collection and is not authorized for publication.
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A photograph of 2nd Lieutenant Allen F. Jaquith, taken on December 9, 1918. He belonged to the Signal Corps in the American Military during World War One. The image is labeled as number 29149 in the collection and was taken by a Signal Corps photographer.
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American soldier wearing a Tissot gas mask, as captured by a photographer from the Chemical Warfare Service. The photograph was received on April 2, 1919, and is numbered 54553. The mask is identified as an American Tissot mask, issued for protection against chemical warfare. Notes indicate it corresponds to M3-A 1039.
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Soldiers from the 2nd Balloon Company, 1st Army Corps, releasing a balloon into the air. The photograph was taken by Corp.D.J. Sheehan on July 8, 1918, in Montreuil, France. The image was received on August 24, 1918, and approved by the A. E. F. Censor on July 29, 1918.
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A military official tests an airfan machine that is being considered for use in airplanes. This photograph, taken on February 28, 1919, showcases the evaluation and issuance of airplane equipment by the Signal Corps during World War One. The testing of such machines was crucial for advancements in aviation technology during this time.
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This image, numbered 11778 and taken in 1919 by a photographer named Reco, shows a training session for aviation cadets in the United States military during World War One. The cadets are in formation, with symbols on their uniforms indicating their respective units. The photo is labeled with a series of notes: 11778, 1318, and 11629.
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Image depicting U.S.A. military truck parts featuring a searchlight and tank labeled as NUMBER 56821 M.T.C. SERV.DIV.: ENGR. BR. The photograph was taken on 6-13-19 and received on that date. It was described by a photographer as SYDL U.S.A.MILITARY TRUCK PARTS. The image is marked as "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" and includes the note: Mo NOTES: 8051991.
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Pvt. Evans operating a number E plotting board for anti-aircraft night firing at the Ordnance Camp in Is-sur-Tille, Cote d'Or, France. The photograph was taken on October 22, 1918, and is part of the official records. This caption is not for publication.
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Ground troops armor plate, front, with felt padding , Armor, Army Materials and Mechanics Research Center U.S.. Records of U.S. Army Operational
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Sergeant A. Moscioni, of Company S.C., is seen here on June 8, 1918, at the Research and Inspection Laboratory in Paris, France. The photograph shows him with a radio telephone set, specifically the SCR 67. This photo is not to be published and is for official use only. Please refer to note G for further details.
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Etching by Lorenzo Lorenzi from 1750-1780 showing a battle scene with soldiers, horses, and battlefield landscape.
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Collection of World War I Photographs, 1914-1918 that depict the military activities of British and other nation's armed forces and personnel during World War I.
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Image #37,219 taken by the Signal Corps during World War One. The photo shows a Signal Corps apparatus that was issued and used during the war. This photograph is part of the collection numbered 37219 under the classification 1-MOD.
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Soldier from the Signal Corps dismantling Antenna Reel RL-2 during World War One. Image captured by Signal Corps photographer Prop Telmier.
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Soldiers in the Chemical Warfare Service participate in drills, practicing the dispersal of gas in trenches using an "out of step" method. Image captured by Issledi.
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Image taken at the American University Experiment Station in Washington D.C. on May 9, 1918. The photo shows a reconnaissance team from the U.S. Army's Nitrate Division of the Ordnance Department securing the Tranze Block after a controlled detonation. The photo is labeled "18614" and is marked "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY."
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Rear view of a 6" carriage manufactured by the Morgan Engineering Co., located in Alliance, Ohio. The photograph, labeled as P.N. 2327-M, was taken by a photographer identified as RECO on July 16, 1918. The image is part of a collection titled "Photographs of American Military Activities during World War One." It is marked as "issued for official use only."
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Sgt.icl. Walter W. Bell observed preparing to ascend in an observation balloon during World War One. The photo was taken on November 28, 1918, in Saizerais, Meurthe et Moselle, France. The details of the censor and exact date of the photograph are unknown.
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Pvt. Steiniger, a photographer, captured a snapshot of an exhibition at the State, War and Navy Building in Washington, D.C during World War One. The exhibit showcased efficiency charts that highlighted the work of the Army Personnel Division, A.G.O. It emphasized the importance of matching the right personnel with the right job through meticulous records kept by the personnel officer. This approach aimed to utilize civilian expertise, reduce the reliance on Army schools for specialization, shorten unit training periods, and ultimately boost overall satisfaction among soldiers. PAG105.
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CPL Newberg, a photographer during World War One, is seen in this image taken on February 5, 1919. He is carrying a transit and tripod pack issued to him for official use. This photograph, numbered as 37078, is categorized as "For official use only".
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101-SC-30183 SUBJECT 30183: A photograph drawn by Capt. Townsend depicting one of our soldiers at Vaux, France. The drawing was copied by Sgt. Simon Warolin of the Signal Corps. Date and details of the photograph's capture are unknown. Passed by A.E.P. censor.
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A photograph showing electrical apparatus used by the Signal Corps during World War One. This particular set, labeled as Set No. 2, is numbered 67505 and was taken by photographer Sgt. Polk. These electrical devices were issued to the Signal Corps for their operations.
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The photograph shows a radio signal corps apparatus used during World War One. The apparatus includes a monitor, a wind-driven 18SUED SYNSOL, and an American Profiller & Infy to Balto hnd H. The image is numbered 111-SC-36395 and was taken by a photographer from the Signal Corps.
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The image showcases a Lewis gun yoke, used to adapt one Lewis Aircraft machine gun to the airplane flexible gun mount. The yoke was part of the Ordnance & Instrument Division's aircraft production during World War I. It is an official issue for military use. Photograph taken on 3-10, source 111-SC-11707.
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Soldiers using an SCR 56 F. C. Aero Radio Transmitter during World War One. The radio apparatus was crucial for communication within the military. Photograph taken by Sumber Photographer, and the image is part of the Photographs of American Military Activities during World War One collection. Catalog number: 111-SC-4449.
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Soldiers inspecting forequarters of cow and steer meat in Auth Provision Co. and Armour Meat Co., Washington D.C. Photograph taken on November 8, 1918, by Pvt. Paul Grenbeaux, S.C. Released by M.I.D. censor on November 15, 1918.
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A National Army soldier stands guard at Multnomah Falls in Oregon during World War One. This photograph was taken on February 18, 1918 by Lieutenant E.N. Jackson, a photographer for the Signal Replacement Camp. It was censored and released by the War College Division Laboratory on March 7th, 1918.
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Photo collection Deli Society. Photo album Deli Maatschappij: Aceh, KliL military posts and operations. Shackle
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A U.S. military personnel uses a gasoline indicating gauge called the "TANNER" U.S. No 20. The gauge was manufactured by Akron Selle Co. in Akron, Ohio. The photograph was taken on August 20, 1918. (Note: Image metadata suggests that it is for official use only).
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Private R.W. Young pictured with a collection of tools at the Henry Disston and Sons factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 29, 1918. The tools shown include an adjustable hack saw frame and blades, as well as a copper cutting hand saw. This image was approved by the military intelligence division's censor on December 2, 1918. The note mentions item number 027315, which refers to the chrome hack saw blades.
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A soldier opens an individual pigeon carrier case in the Pigeon Section of the military. The case is equipped to carry specially trained pigeons to listening posts, trenches, and other locations during World War One. The photograph was taken on July 8, 1919, in Surger, and is labeled with the identification number 111-SC-18228.
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Unidentified Civil War veterans in Grand Army of the Republic uniforms and two drums of Mansfield Post, Middletown, Connecticut / Johnson Peterson.. Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs , pp/liljvet. Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Connecticut, People, 1890-1920, United States, Army, People, 1890-1920, Drums (Musical instruments), 1890-1920, Veterans, Union, 1890-1920, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Veterans, Union.
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Photograph of a Signal Corps apparatus, specifically the SCR-74, assembled and ready for use. This device was essential for military communication during World War One. The H symbol featured on the apparatus is likely a means of identifying and distinguishing different equipment. This image is numbered 37,236 in the collection and was taken by photographer Reco Issled.
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American military carrier pigeons in World War One were given identification tags, with "U.S.A." and a number stamped on their wings. This image shows the identification tag on a pigeon's wing. The photo was taken by the Signal Corps on October 14, 1918 and passed by A.E.P. censor on October 19, 1918.
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A single Lewis gun yoke, used to adapt one Lewis aircraft machine gun to an airplane's flexible gun mount. This photograph, taken by the Signal Corps on June 10, 1918, is part of the Ordnance & Instrument Division's documentation of aircraft production during World War I.
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An American soldier wearing a Tissot gas mask used during World War I. This mask, issued to troops for protection against chemical warfare, is designed to cover the entire face and provide a secure seal. It was a vital piece of equipment for soldiers facing the threat of toxic gas attacks on the battlefield.
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A display of gunsmith's work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. The photograph was taken as a part of documenting American military activities during World War One. The subject number is 58967 S.A.T.C. The photo was taken on April 27, 1919, out of reconnaissance. It is listed as "For Official use only."
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Photograph showing various types of ordnance ballistically tested helmets from the Engineering Division, Ordinance Department during World War One. These helmets were designed to provide superior protection to soldiers in combat. The photograph was taken by photographer number 54395 and received on 12-18. Notes indicate the image is numbered 20-16-53.
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Unidentified soldier in Confederate uniform and Maryland sword belt plate with cavalry saber, Sharps carbine, and handgun standing in front of painted backdrop showing stone wall / Lepp, Taneytown, MD.. Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs , pp/liljpaper. Confederate States of America, Army, People, 1860-1870, Soldiers, Confederate, 1860-1870, Military uniforms, Confederate, 1860-1870, Daggers & swords, 1860-1870, Rifles, 1860-1870, Handguns, 1860-1870, Backdrops, 1860-1870, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Military personnel, Confederate.
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France, 1764, 3 1910. Vinkhuijzen, Hendrik Jacobus. still image. Illustrations. General Research Division. Military uniforms , History, France
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Telegraph poles with telephone insulators in Tours, France. Taken on April 22, 1918, by Pvt. Moscioni. The photograph, with a number 33932, was received by the photographer on January 7, 1919. It is marked as "not for publication" and falls under the category of American military activities during World War One.
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Official photo of a signal searchlight mounted on a military airplane. The searchlight was manufactured by General Electric Co. in Schenectady, NY. This photo was taken on July 11, 1918, as part of the American military activities during World War I. FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY."
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Collection of World War I Photographs, 1914-1918 that depict the military activities of British and other nation's armed forces and personnel during World War I.
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An etching by Wenzel Hollar from 1627-1677 depicting several military ensigns of orders, showing banners, flags, and symbolic military insignia.
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Civil War veteran Charles H. Houghton of Co. L, 14th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment with Grand Army of the Republic medal / O'Dwyer, photographer, 381 Canal Street, cor. South Fifth Ave., New York.. Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs , pp/liljvet. Houghton, Charles H, 1842-1914, Grand Army of the Republic, People, 1880-1920, United States, Army, New York Heavy Artillery Regiment, 14th (1863-1865), People, 1880-1920, Veterans, Union, 1880-1920, United States, History, Civil War, 1861-1865, Veterans, Union.
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Soldiers inspecting a Barlow Heavy Drop Bomb during World War I. The photograph was taken by an official photographer as part of a collection documenting American military activities. The image showcases the bomb's extended state. It was received from the Trench Warfare Section of the Ordnance Department on May 21, 1918. Photo number: 111-SC-44830.
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Soldiers wearing gas masks during World War I.
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to ensure they are assigned to the appropriate divisions. The exhibit highlights the important role of occupational specialists in the army and emphasizes the efficiency of the personnel system in identifying and utilizing their skills.