U.S. Army Private Rosamond Johnson, Jr. was one of many African American soldiers who died to protect freedoms that a segregated society often denied them. Born on May 18, 1933, Johnson lied about his age and joined the Army at fifteen in order to serve his country, and by age seventeen, Johnson was actively fighting in Korea.

On July 26, 1950, during an intense attack, Johnson recovered two wounded soldiers and carried them to safety. He suffered a fatal injury while rescuing a third wounded serviceman, becoming the first casualty from Escambia County in the Korean Conflict. On August 21, 1950, the U.S. Army posthumously awarded Johnson the Purple Heart.

Following the war, Escambia County officials renamed the Gulf Beach area recreation center, a popular destination for African American members of the community during segregation, in honor of Johnson. On May 8, 1973, Rosamond Johnson Beach became part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. In a ceremony led by retired Army Major General Mike Ferguson and the Veterans of Underaged Military Service, the Gulf Islands National Seashore dedicated a permanent monument to Johnson on the beach that bears his name on June 10, 1996.

Johnson Beach is now a popular destination for all residents, but many do not know that it is the namesake of Private Rosamond Johnson, Jr., a fallen hero who died valiantly in combat.

Written and researched by Kathleen Zielinski.