Shared Sacrifice: South Carolina in World War II

Upcoming Exhibition | Opens June 8, 2024

Honoring the service and sacrifice of South Carolina’s “Greatest Generation” 

Shared Sacrifice: South Carolina in World War II explores the powerful stories of South Carolina men and women who contributed to the war effort, as well as Black South Carolinians' pursuit of “Double Victory” over fascism abroad and segregation at home. Featuring engaging displays of objects and artifacts from the museum’s collection, archival newsreels, historical photographs and oral histories, the exhibition includes: 

• Uniform worn by Ernest Henderson, Sr., from Laurens, SC. In 1941 he attended flight school at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and later trained the legendary Tuskegee airmen, including the elite All-Black 99th Pursuit Squadron during World War II.
• Flight helmet worn by Horace "Sally" Crouch of Columbia, SC. He was a member of the 89th Reconnaissance Squadron and navigator-bomber for crew No. 10 of the Doolittle Raiders. 
• Red Cross Motor Corps uniform worn by Kate Montgomery Ward of Spartanburg, SC. 
• Holiday card mailed by Jack Williams from Pearl Harbor to Columbia, SC on Dec. 6, 1941. Williams was the first Columbia native to be killed in World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• Naval Jack Flag picked up by Thomas Blair Boozer, Jr. of Newberry, SC. The flag was flown above U-505 immediately after its capture. 
• Military equipment used in the European and Pacific theaters and weapons used by Allied and Axis powers.

From the shores of Normandy to the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima, South Carolinians demonstrated tremendous courage and valor in defeating the Axis Powers. They were Black and white, rich and poor, and came from every corner of the state. Shared Sacrifice highlights the individual experiences of brave South Carolinians who served in World War II.