Permanent Collection
The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum houses over 3000 square feet of artifacts, photos, memorabilia and memories of the soldiers, sailors and other military as well as civilian personnel who trained and worked here during the years 1942-1946. Our goal is to honor them and promote the learning and preserving the history of WWII and portraying the gigantic effort that our nation and its allies poured into the war effort. The Museum is assembling the histories of the various units and their training as well as developing exhibits that remind and teach about the various aspects and events of WWII. Veterans have contributed the artifacts brought back from battles overseas, along with uniforms, mess kits, and all sorts of souvenirs, too numerous to name. The museum also preserves oral histories of veterans that returned for reunions or visited the museum.
Thee collection boasts a variety of interesting and exceptional artifacts donated over the years, many accompanied by the unique stories behand them. Some examples include:
The 28th Infantry Division “Bloody Bucket” patch belonging to then two star general Omar Bradley, who was the commander of the division when it trained at Camp Gordon Johnston. The story of how this patch came to be in our collection is a delightful and interesting one, as the patch was gifted to Vivian (Matthews) Hess whose father was the Camp Postmaster.
The first NAZI flag obtained by ground forces on German soil, collected by then Lt. Samuel Rhea from a German schoolhouse when the 4th Infantry crossed the Sigfried Line in September 1944.
Top Secret Plans for Operation Neptune, dated May 20, 1944, describing in detail the Naval Operations of Operation Overlord.
A full spectrum of Japanese rifles, including the type 38, type 44, type 99, type 99 “last ditch” and type 99 School rifle, as well as a type II paratroop rifle.
A mock–up of a Camp Gordon Johnston barracks, complete with sand floor (yes, they were sand in the beginning) with actual bunks, windows, screen door, stove, coal bin and lockers.
The Museum owns three vehicles, including a DUKW which represents us at events and parades. The DUKW is displayed at the museum for special events but is currently kept in Tallahassee.
And of course, the biggest artifact of all, the Carrabelle Beach across US Highway 98 from the museum, the setting for amphibious training featured in numerous photographs and film.
Special Exhibits: March 2021
Canine Military Service and the Role of Cartoonists in WWII
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit to honor our country’s Canine Military Veterans and the role of Cartoonists in WWII. This exhibit will open Tuesday, March 2 at 11 am and will be on display at the museum until Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 5 pm. There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted.
Dogs served in many capacities in wartime, including in WWII, as messengers and sentry dogs, but did you know that they were also trained for mine and explosive detection, finding injured soldiers and flushing enemy troops from hidden spaces? Dogs’ keen sense of smell and acute hearing made them valuable assets in war and today for national security.
The press was essential for keeping the public informed in wartime, but cartoonists played a unique role in bringing the war to citizens. The museum will present the work of cartoonists like Bill Maudlin and Dave Breger, as well as the animated works by Disney and Warner Brothers that served as both propaganda for citizens and training for servicemen. Familiar characters like Private Snafu, Donald Duck, Willie and Joe, and Kilroy all play a prominent part in WWII history.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
Special Exhibits: April 2021
Remembering the Battle to Okinawa
Starting April 1 and lasting until May 15, the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum will present a special exhibit on the most violent and costliest campaign of WWII, the battle to take Okinawa. The battle started with the capture of the Kerama Islands by the 77th infantry Division on March 26, 1945, and ended 98 days later on July 2. This effort involved three marine divisions and four infantry divisions making up the Tenth Army, which had its own tactical air force, and was supported by naval and amphibious commands. The battle cost more lives on both sides than any other campaign in the Pacific. The taking of Okinawa provided a base from which Operation Downfall, the invasion of the Japanese mainland, was to be launched. Operation Downfall, of course, was made unnecessary by the surrender of Japan in September of 1945.
This exhibit will open Thursday, April 1 at 11 am and will be on display at the museum until Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 5 pm. Included in the exhibit will be historic photos and Marine Corps artifacts, some of which were recently acquired. There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
