World War I, U.S. Army officer's visor hat. From the Historical Collection (46. 40).

World War I, Small box gas mask. From the Alvin Mansfield Owsley Collection (HM. 15).

World War I, Gas mask time card. From the Alvin Mansfield Owsley Collection (HM. 15).

This World War I era gas mask is a type of "small box respirator" which utilized activated charcoal (made from peach pits or the pits of other stone fruits) to cleanse the air. There is a small valve, inside the mask behind the tube, which the wearer would use to breathe through their mouth, and a clip inside the mask which would squeeze their nose closed. The card that accompanies the mask is meant to be used to keep track of the amount of time the mask is worn, so that the wearer will know when to replace the charcoal for optimal air purification. 

These items were issued to Alvin Mansfield Owsley, who served during World War I in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard.

Find out more about the Owsley Collection in the Finding Aid.

World War I, 36th National Guard, Texas, Private's wool jacket. From the Historical Collection, donated by Mary Helen Rucker (46. 40).

This jacket was worn by George N. Rucker who was stationed at Camp Travis in San Antonio, Texas, during World War I. The arrowhead patch with the "T" in the center represents the 36th infantry division of the Texas Army National Guard, which was made up of Texans and Oklahomans. The silver chevron patch lower on the sleeve represents stateside service of at least six months. A second silver chevron patch would have been added for an additional six months served, so we can tell that Rucker only served between six and eleven months. The red chevron near the shoulder represents honorable discharge.

World War I, U.S. Army mess kit. From the J.W. Bates Collection (B. 9. 356a-e).

World War I, German sword and scabbard. From the Historical Collection, donated by Fred Minor (31. 10a, b).

World War I, Photograph of four soldiers. From the World War I Collection (AR0819).

This photograph of four soldiers, during World War I, was taken at Camp Bullis, Leon Springs, Texas in 1918 while on maneuvers with the 359th Infantry, 90th Division, as is indicated by the hand written information on the photograph. The men are numbered 1 through 4 from left to right, and each of their fates are listed below.

#1. Captain Vanderkooi- wounded, captured and maimed for life in front of [Pagny] Sept. 16, 1918. Found in German Hospital in Metz at the armistic.

#2. Lieutenant Rex Cunningham- killed in action Sept. 12, 1918 in St. Mihiel Offensive.

#3. Lieutenant Sam Williams- wounded Sept. 12, 1918 at St. Mihiel and Nov. 10, 1918 in Muese-Argonne.

#4. Lieutenant Dan Leiper- D.S.C.- killed during [our] attack in Meuse-Argonne on 11-2-18.

Find out more about the World War I Collection in the Finding Aid.

For further information about the 90th Division and the 359th Infantry, look at A History of the 90th Division by George Wythe. This text was uploaded to the Internet Archive by the University of Michigan.

World War I, Red Cross knitting needles and packaging. From the World War I Materials Collection, donated by Susan Farrar Martin (TT820 .R43 1914).

World War I, United War-Work Campaign poster. From the World War I Collection (AR0819).

Find out more about the World War I Collection in the Finding Aid.

World War I, Third Liberty Loan pin. From the World War I Materials Collection (HG4936. T55 P56 1918).

World War I, Vicotry Liberty Loan medallion. From the World War I Materials Collection (HG4936. V53 M43 1919).

The front of this medlaion shows the U.S. Treasury building and a bald eagle below it.

The back reads: "Made from captured German cannon

Awarded by the U.S. Treasury Department for patriotic service in [sic] behalf of the Liberty Loans"