Escambia County resident Rosamond Johnson joined the U.S. Army at age 15. He died in the Korean War before his 18th birthday.

Johnson was the first resident from Escambla County to die in that conflict. He died a hero, trying to cross the 38th parallel attempting to rescue wounded soldiers. His bravery earned him a posthumous Purple Heart.

Gulf Beach was one of the few areas that allowed blacks to enjoy the beach during segregation.

Renamed Rosamond Johnson Beach in his honor after the Korean Conflict ended, the county erected a formal monument on the beach in 1996.

Rosamond Johnson Beach is now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Information provided by Florida Department of State.

Edited by Cynthia Catellier, University of West Florida Department of Public History

Photo courtesy visitpensacola.com