Florida had many military camps, fields and bases during WWII. One of the largest at 165,000 acres was Camp Gordon Johnston, a US Army camp for training infantry for amphibious assault located in Franklin County. This camp in its three phases hosted a quarter of a million servicemembers from 1942 to 1946. Soldiers that trained at CGJ served in both theaters of the war, from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of New Guinea, from the liberated European ports to the landings at Iwo Jima.Lisa Keith-Lucas is the dedicated archivist and president of the board at the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle, Florida. With a background in science education and degrees in chemistry and geosciences, she brings an analytical approach to preserving and interpreting the museum's extensive collection of over 1,500 artifacts. Her meticulous research has been instrumental in identifying and documenting the names, hometowns, and final resting places of soldiers who trained at the camp, often overcoming challenges posed by incomplete historical records.
Lisa's passion for WWII history is deeply personal. Her mother's experiences growing up in Nazi-occupied Norway and her husband's grandfather's service and death in World War I have profoundly influenced her commitment to preserving these stories. She has been a driving force in uncovering the contributions of African American service members who trained at Camp Gordon Johnston, including the 473rd, 471st, and 476th Amphibious Truck Companies, which played pivotal roles in the Iwo Jima campaign.
Under her leadership, the museum has expanded its facilities to better showcase its collection, including a new building to house vintage military vehicles and a permanent exhibit space . Lisa continues to share the rich history of Camp Gordon Johnston through public lectures, collaborations with local organizations, and educational outreach, ensuring that the sacrifices and stories of these soldiers are preserved for future generations.
