Researching military separation records and other historical documents in the Clerk’s records, Clerk Historian Dr. Susan Parker in 2020 crafted a virtual exhibit offering a sampler of St. Johns County veterans who served from the time of the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War (1898) through World War II (1945). The images of the discharge documents in this exhibit were made between 1919 and 1945, using the technology available at that time.

In December 2021, the exhibit was updated to showcase World War II veterans in observance of the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor Naval Station, on Dec. 7, 1941. The exhibit ends with World War II, as privacy regulations restrict the display of more recent documents.

Over time, the information in the discharge certificates changed. You can read about where each person served, their health and character, and their occupation before enlisting. You might read about identifying marks and scars or whether the person could ride a horse. There is also information on final pay and transportation home.

Thanks to Dr. Parker for her dedication to sharing the history of our county and for telling the stories of St. Johns Countians who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Please browse through the image gallery below.