The eastern tip of Perdido Key is home to a long stretch of pristine and undeveloped coastline that is visited by thousands of tourists and locals alike. It is more than just a beach, however. Rosamond Johnson Beach, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a living monument to a young former Pensacola resident remembered for his bravery and selflessness.
In 1948, Rosamond Johnson, Jr. left home at the age of 15 to join the army during the Korean War. He wanted to help support his family, although his mother was reluctant to let him leave.
Two years later, Private First Class Johnson, a member of the 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, was killed in action in South Korea. After rescuing two wounded soldiers, he had returned to the battlefield to rescue a third comrade and was fatally wounded in the process. Just 17 years old, he was the first Escambia County resident to die in the Korean War.
Johnson was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart in 1950 and the beach was named for him that same year. His memory is alive with the current residents of the Pensacola and Perdido areas.
On May, 4, 2019, the Perdido Key area community joined members of the Johnson family by honoring Johnson’s memory and the sacrifices he made serving his country, in a ceremony that has become an annual event. The NATTC Color Guard, vocalist group and a bugler performed during the ceremony. This special ceremony was made possible by the support of the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, Johnson Beach Society and Florida Black Chamber of Commerce.
Photo: Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce
There's so much to do on and around our 16-miles-long island paradise, there's no way you can experience it all in just one stay. To help you make the most of your Eden vacation, we've picked a few of our favorite experiences that we hope will become precious memories for you too. If you have a question, or don't see what you're looking for, please let us know. We want to make sure that each memory of your Eden vacation is truly magical.