Description: This 5.5 by 7.4-inch (13.97 by 18.80 cm) engraving by Thomas Nast shows the 1863 Civil War battle at Fort Wagner, near Charleston, South Carolina. Although not a strategically important battle, it is significant because it demonstrated the courage of the 54th Massachusetts, a regiment composed of African Americans. Massachusetts was one of the first states to allow black men to enlist to fight in the Civil War, and so drew volunteers from several states. More than 150 men from Ohio joined the regiment. Company K was composed of 75 men from Xenia. More than half of the men in the 54th died in the battle, including its commander, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, son of a prominent abolitionist family. Eighteen Ohioans were among the casualties. The 1989 movie Glory dramatizes the history of the regiment. Thomas Nast (1840-1902) was born in Landau, Germany. He emigrated to the United States and became a successful caricaturist, illustrator, and painter. He is best known for his political cartoons and illustrations of Santa Claus. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: Om872_806480_001
Subjects: African American Ohioans; Military Ohio; African American Soldiers; Civil War; Campaigns & battles
Places: Xenia (Ohio); Greene County (Ohio); Charleston (South Carolina)
 

Description: Illustration depicting the entrance of the 55th Massachusetts into Charleston, South Carolina. This regiment, along with the 54th Massachusetts, was one of the first African American Union regiments formed during the Civil War. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: NAM_SC10
Subjects: African American soldiers; African American men; United States. Colored Troops; Civil War 1861-1865;
Places: Charleston (South Carolina)
 

Description: Illustration from "The Black Phalanx: A History of the Negro Soldiers of the United States in the Wars of 1775-1812, 1861-'65" by Joseph T. Wilson. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: blackphalanx_32
Subjects: African American soldiers; African American men; Civil War 1861-1865
Places: Charleston (South Carolina)
 

Description: Photographs taken at Revere Beach, Massachusetts, of Yvonne and other unidentified individuals. This is one of several pages taken from a scrapbook that belonged to Yvonne Walker-Taylor. Walker-Taylor was the daughter of Bishop Dougal Ormonde Beaconfield Walker, the 66th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and president of Wilberforce University in the 1940s. Walker-Taylor later went on to follow in his footsteps, and became one of the first female African American college president in the United States when she was named president of Wilberforce in 1984. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: NAM_P2_B05F04_05_2
Subjects: Historical Black Colleges and Universities; Howard University; Wilberforce University; African American Educators; African American women
Places: Massachusetts; Boston (Massachusetts); Charleston (South Carolina)
 

Description: The flag of South Carolina consists of a blue field bearing a white crescent in its canton and a white palmetto tree at center. The palmetto ( the official state tree) refers to the attack on Sullivan's Island by the British fleet on June 28, 1776. Fortifications utilized palmetto logs which are dense and fibrous lending flexibility to the structure. British cannons could not penetrate the fort at Charleston commanded by Colonel William Moultrie, who later designed the original state flag. The stronghold was later named Fort Moultrie. South Carolina seceded from the Union on Dec. 20, 1860. A month later the palmetto was added to Moultrie's crescent to form the flag's longstanding design. Maker's mark indicates this cotton flag was manufactured by Annin & Co. with Defiance cotton bunting. Considered America's oldest and largest flag maker, Founder Alexander Annin began making flags on the New York City waterfront in the 1820’s. Defiance bunting was implemented in 1914 but use declined after the implementation of Bulldog bunting around 1925. Both steadily declined after the invention of nylon in the Second World War. Typically, after the war the use of cotton flags was favored for official events held by prestigious organizations and the U.S. government (artifact acquired 1950-1970). View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: H65254_001
Subjects: Ceremonial artifact; Communication artifact; Military flags; State flags--South Carolina; Civil War 1861-1865; Textile--cotton; Fort Moultrie; Botany-- Palmetto
Places: Charleston, South Carolina
 

Description: Taken in 1971 by U.S. Army medic Charles Tweel, this photograph shows either firebase Sarge or Jack, both of which were located in the Lowlands of Vietnam. Firebases were usually located at the top of a mountain with the top skimmed off. Three companies would guard and defend the firebase, and the fourth would be in the field with the firebase supporting their artillery needs. This photograph is part of the Charles Tweel Collection (AV 324) at the Ohio History Connection. Charles Tweel grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University. After graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant, first training as a medic at Fort Sam Huston, followed by nine months of additional training at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He finished his training as a Specialist 3 and 91C, MOS, and went on to serve in Bamberg, Germany, with combat engineers for one year. In January 1971, Tweel served in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Air Mobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, based out of Camp Evans near Phu Bai, north of Hue, until December of that year. Tweel spent most of his service on various firebases as the medic in charge, and occasionally shared firebases with South Vietnamese soldiers. He also visited MedCAP stations (Medical Civic Action Programs) where he treated civilians. Tweel received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, and was promoted to Specialist 5 in 1971. After discharge from the Army, he went to medical school and was in private practice as a family practitioner from 1979-2016, and now works part-time in inner city medical clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV324_B01F09_036
Subjects: Vietnam War (1961-1975); United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st; Military encampments
Places: Vietnam
 

Description: Taken by U.S. Army medic Charles Tweel, this photograph shows a thatched roof hut in Vietnam. Fabric and a sewing machine sit on a table along the wall, and a straw hat is on the floor. This photograph is part of the Charles Tweel Collection (AV 324) at the Ohio History Connection. Charles Tweel grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University. After graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant, first training as a medic at Fort Sam Huston, followed by nine months of additional training at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He finished his training as a Specialist 3 and 91C, MOS, and went on to serve in Bamberg, Germany, with combat engineers for one year. In January 1971, Tweel served in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Air Mobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, based out of Camp Evans near Phu Bai, north of Hue, until December of that year. Tweel spent most of his service on various firebases as the medic in charge, and occasionally shared firebases with South Vietnamese soldiers. He also visited MedCAP stations (Medical Civic Action Programs) where he treated civilians. Tweel received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, and was promoted to Specialist 5 in 1971. After discharge from the Army, he went to medical school and was in private practice as a family practitioner from 1979-2016, and now works part-time in inner city medical clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV324_B01F01_005
Subjects: Vietnam War (1961-1975); United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st; Soldiers--Travel
Places: Vietnam
 

Description: Taken in 1971 by U.S. Army medic Charles Tweel, this photograph shows a listening post in Vietnam, possibly Katherine. This post was an intelligence gathering unit, with a landing pad down by the trucks. The men here would shoot out gray cigar-like devices that were vibration detectors that intercepted North Vietnamese radio signals. This photograph is part of the Charles Tweel Collection (AV 324) at the Ohio History Connection. Charles Tweel grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University. After graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant, first training as a medic at Fort Sam Huston, followed by nine months of additional training at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He finished his training as a Specialist 3 and 91C, MOS, and went on to serve in Bamberg, Germany, with combat engineers for one year. In January 1971, Tweel served in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Air Mobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, based out of Camp Evans near Phu Bai, north of Hue, until December of that year. Tweel spent most of his service on various firebases as the medic in charge, and occasionally shared firebases with South Vietnamese soldiers. He also visited MedCAP stations (Medical Civic Action Programs) where he treated civilians. Tweel received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, and was promoted to Specialist 5 in 1971. After discharge from the Army, he went to medical school and was in private practice as a family practitioner from 1979-2016, and now works part-time in inner city medical clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV324_B01F01_027
Subjects: Vietnam War (1961-1975); United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st; Communications, Military; Military intelligence
Places: Vietnam
 

Description: Taken in 1971 by U.S. Army medic Charles Tweel, this photograph shows performers and soldiers on stage during a United Service Organization (USO) show for the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Evans during the Vietnam War. This performance was part of the 1971 Miss America USO Show, which featured that year's Miss America, Phyllis George, and some of the state winners. The USO is an American non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to troops abroad and those returning home, including hosting concerts and performances at military bases overseas. This photograph is part of the Charles Tweel Collection (AV 324) at the Ohio History Connection. Charles Tweel grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University. After graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant, first training as a medic at Fort Sam Huston, followed by nine months of additional training at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He finished his training as a Specialist 3 and 91C, MOS, and went on to serve in Bamberg, Germany, with combat engineers for one year. In January 1971, Tweel served in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Air Mobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, based out of Camp Evans near Phu Bai, north of Hue, until December of that year. Tweel spent most of his service on various firebases as the medic in charge, and occasionally shared firebases with South Vietnamese soldiers. He also visited MedCAP stations (Medical Civic Action Programs) where he treated civilians. Tweel received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, and was promoted to Specialist 5 in 1971. After discharge from the Army, he went to medical school and was in private practice as a family practitioner from 1979-2016, and now works part-time in inner city medical clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV324_B01F01_018
Subjects: Vietnam War (1961-1975); United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st; Entertainment; Military life
Places: Camp Evans (Vietnam)
 

Description: Taken in 1971 by U.S. Army medic Charles Tweel while riding a helicopter during the Vietnam War, this photograph shows an aerial view of the residential buildings of a rural community in Vietnam. This photograph is part of the Charles Tweel Collection (AV 324) at the Ohio History Connection. Charles Tweel grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University. After graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant, first training as a medic at Fort Sam Huston, followed by nine months of additional training at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He finished his training as a Specialist 3 and 91C, MOS, and went on to serve in Bamberg, Germany, with combat engineers for one year. In January 1971, Tweel served in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Air Mobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, based out of Camp Evans near Phu Bai, north of Hue, until December of that year. Tweel spent most of his service on various firebases as the medic in charge, and occasionally shared firebases with South Vietnamese soldiers. He also visited MedCAP stations (Medical Civic Action Programs) where he treated civilians. Tweel received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, and was promoted to Specialist 5 in 1971. After discharge from the Army, he went to medical school and was in private practice as a family practitioner from 1979-2016, and now works part-time in inner city medical clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV324_B02F12_026
Subjects: Vietnam War (1961-1975); United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st; Rural life
Places: Vietnam
 

Description: Taken in 1971 by U.S. Army medic Charles Tweel, this photograph shows a boy in Hue, Vietnam, sitting by the Perfume River, giving the "peace sign." This photograph is part of the Charles Tweel Collection (AV 324) at the Ohio History Connection. Charles Tweel grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University. After graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant, first training as a medic at Fort Sam Huston, followed by nine months of additional training at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He finished his training as a Specialist 3 and 91C, MOS, and went on to serve in Bamberg, Germany, with combat engineers for one year. In January 1971, Tweel served in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Air Mobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, based out of Camp Evans near Phu Bai, north of Hue, until December of that year. Tweel spent most of his service on various firebases as the medic in charge, and occasionally shared firebases with South Vietnamese soldiers. He also visited MedCAP stations (Medical Civic Action Programs) where he treated civilians. Tweel received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, and was promoted to Specialist 5 in 1971. After discharge from the Army, he went to medical school and was in private practice as a family practitioner from 1979-2016, and now works part-time in inner city medical clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV324_B02F12_034
Subjects: Vietnam War (1961-1975); United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st; Civilians in war; Children
Places: Vietnam
 

Description: Taken in 1971 by U.S. Army medic Charles Tweel, this photograph shows a sculpture of a man wearing elaborate clothing and armor, carrying a sword over his shoulder, possibly a military, political, or religious figure. This photograph is part of the Charles Tweel Collection (AV 324) at the Ohio History Connection. Charles Tweel grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University. After graduation in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant, first training as a medic at Fort Sam Huston, followed by nine months of additional training at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He finished his training as a Specialist 3 and 91C, MOS, and went on to serve in Bamberg, Germany, with combat engineers for one year. In January 1971, Tweel served in Vietnam with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Air Mobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, based out of Camp Evans near Phu Bai, north of Hue, until December of that year. Tweel spent most of his service on various firebases as the medic in charge, and occasionally shared firebases with South Vietnamese soldiers. He also visited MedCAP stations (Medical Civic Action Programs) where he treated civilians. Tweel received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement, and was promoted to Specialist 5 in 1971. After discharge from the Army, he went to medical school and was in private practice as a family practitioner from 1979-2016, and now works part-time in inner city medical clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV324_B02F12_021
Subjects: Vietnam War (1961-1975); United States. Army. Airborne Division, 101st; Sculpture; Art
Places: Vietnam