military

Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning

A classic World War I song from famed composer Irving Berlin, this sheet music is part of the Bella C. Landauer Collection of Aeronautical Sheet Music held in the National Air and Space Museum Library.  The cover includes a photograph of comedian and singer Eddie Cantor, who performed the song in the Ziegfeld Follies.  An excellent example of Americana from the early 20th century.

Familiarization and Inspection Manual for the B-17F Flying Fortress

This Boeing Aircraft Company produced this 1943 manual of the B-17F model heavy bomber, which was issued to U.S. Army Air Force personnel assigned to fly and service this iconic World War II aircraft. There are extensively detailed illustrations and instruction pages with technical information on all parts of the aircraft. It is in surprisingly excellent condition.

Notes on Examination of the Effects and Various Objects Found on German Soldiers

The year 2017 marks the centennial anniversary of the United States’ involvement in World War I. This 1917 government publication, marked "Secret and confidential [now scratched out in red]; Not to be taken into front line trenches," provides a tiny window into life on the battlefield. Designed to help military staff on the front lines collect and analyze personal effects from captured German soldiers, it explains the importance of seemingly mundane items like postcards or letters in indicating where entire units of the German Army were located.

Leathers of Old Japan

Originally published in 1845, this book features the leather pattern designs of Keisai Ikeda, used by the Japanese military to line armor and for casing weapons. Patterns were used in the past for military costumes, festivities, and decorative clothing and accessories.

Four Years in a Government Exploring Expedition

Naval officer George Colvocoresses took part in the U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-42, and published this account of it based on a journal which he kept. The text covers the entire itinerary of the voyage, describing the lands and peoples visited and a variety of scientific matters; the 19 illustrations include botanical and zoological subjects and scenes of the west coast of North America. Of particular interest is Colvocoresses' participation in the overland leg of the expedition in the Pacific Northwest and California. The U.S.