Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit about the Battle of Iwo Jima. This exhibit will open Tuesday, March 3 and will be on display at the museum until Saturday, March 28, 2026. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm ET and there is no charge for admission.
The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the most important and hardest-fought amphibious battles of World War II. From February 19 to March 26, 1945, American forces attacked the small, heavily defended island to secure its airfields and use them to support bombing missions against Japan. Marines from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions landed on narrow beaches under heavy artillery, mortar, and small arms fire and quickly faced fierce resistance. Japanese troops were dug into bunkers, caves, and tunnels, making every step forward dangerous. The battle was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific, with nearly 7,000 Americans killed and many more wounded. After weeks of hard combat, the island was secured and the famous flag raising on Mount Suribachi became a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice.
Although Marines led the assault, many Army and Navy units played key support roles. The U.S. Army’s 147th Infantry Regiment helped clear the island, and Navy Seabees repaired airfields so planes could quickly use them. Among them were several Amphibious Truck Companies—the 471st, 473rd, and 476th— that trained at Camp Gordon Johnston. Landing under fire, they moved supplies, carried ammunition, rescued stranded equipment, and evacuated wounded soldiers from the beaches using DUKW amphibious vehicles. These units served alongside the 4th Marine Division and took part in heavy fighting. Throughout the month, the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum will have a special exhibit commemorating the anniversary of the Iwo Jima Battle. Displays will include photos, video, and artifacts including some from the Marine Corps.
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.
