3D Objects from The Citadel Archives & Museum

This knife was donated to our museum earlier this year. It belonged to Julius Chesnee Cogswell, from The Citadel’s Class of 1917. Cogswell was awarded both the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 80th Company, 6th Regiment Marines, 2nd Division AEF at the bombardment of La Cense Farm, France on June 6, 1918. Cogswell refused to be evacuated, and handled his platoon when seriously wounded in action.

This knife was used by Cogswell during World War I. It has an edged, tapered dagger blade that made wounds that could not easily heal on the battle field. The handle is made of cast bronze, and the spikes were designed to prevent opponents from grabbing the knife hand.

This artifact helps to tell the story of Citadel alumni who fought overseas during World War I, and to illustrate the dangers of trench warfare.