Special Exhibit: 476th and the 818th, Black Amphibious Truck Companies

In commemoration of Black History Month, the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum will present an exhibit on the history of two Black Amphibious Truck Companies, the 476th and the 818th. These are two of several Amphibious Truck Companies that trained at Camp Gordon Johnston during World War II. This exhibit will open Tuesday, February 1, 2022, and be on display until Saturday, February 26. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and there is no charge for admission.

The 476th Amphibious Truck Company trained at Camp Gordon Johnston and was deployed with the Marine Corps for the campaign on Iwo Jima. The 818th Amphibious Truck Company also trained at Camp Gordon Johnston and was deployed to Normandy. The members of the 818th also then spent part of the fall of 1944 driving for the Red Ball Express.

Rosters of WWII companies are very difficult to assemble, and for Black units, this is particularly challenging. Thanks to the family of the commanding officer of the 818th and the assistance of the National Archives, partial rosters of both companies have been assembled. The volunteers and staff of the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum will present what they know of these men who served their country with honor in a military that was still segregated. The hope is that the descendants of these soldiers may help the museum to learn more about them and their service.

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 the museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.