The International African American Museum (IAAM) announces the addition of a significant donation to its South Carolina Connections gallery. The donation includes a shadow box of military medals belonging to Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson (pictured) gifted by his family, alongside a photographic print of a portrait of Johnson painted by professional artist Rick Austin. This installation will be permanently on view for the public in time for this year’s Memorial Day weekend.
Born and raised in Charleston, Ralph H. Johnson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 and was deployed to fight in the Vietnam War. On March 5, 1968, during an enemy attack, a grenade landed in his fighting position. In an act of extraordinary courage, Johnson threw himself onto the device, absorbing the blast and sacrificing his life to save the Marines in his unit. His actions enabled his patrol to maintain their defensive position and ultimately saved the lives of his fellow service members. For this act of valor, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration on April 20, 1970.
The shadow box (pictured) offers a deeply personal and tangible connection to Johnson’s life and service. It includes the American flag presented to his family at his burial, as well as his military decorations and insignia: the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter badge, associated ribbons, and a uniform patch denoting his rank of Private First Class.
The installation will be situated within the IAAM’s South Carolina Connections gallery, an exhibition space dedicated to stories of resistance, achievement, and influence of famous African Americans connected to the state. This donation ensures that Johnson’s story remains accessible to the public, particularly as the nation pauses to reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice during Memorial Day weekend and beyond. Through this installation, the IAAM continues its commitment to preserving and sharing the histories of individuals whose lives have shaped American history.
Sahar Coston-Hardy © Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto