French World War I Victory medal received by Lawrence McVey, after 1918
National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC
3rd Floor, Community Galleries Floor Plan
The military gallery conveys a sense of appreciation and respect for the military service of African Americans from the American Revolution to the current war on terrorism. It shows how the African American military experience shapes opportunities for the greater community and has profoundly shaped the nation. This exhibition helps visitors understand the African American military experience in the following three areas:
- “Struggle for Freedom,” focusing on the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War
- “Segregated Military,” about the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II
- “Stirrings of Change to a Colorblind Military,” examining the Korean and Vietnam wars and today’s war on terrorism.
Artifacts include Civil War badges, weapons and photographs, Flag of the 9th Regiment U.S. Colored Volunteers, a WWI Croix de Guerre medal awarded to U.S. soldier Lawrence McVey, and various Tuskegee Airmen materials.
