French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. This request was also forwarded to the National NAACP office asking for a resolution to be adopted. Social media posts over the weekend began highlighting the story of Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, who became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best Rear Adm. Charles Brown presents a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chester French Jr. of Omaha, nephew of Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, and Chesters wife, Linda, on May 21 in San Diego. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. Phone: 402-444-1186. In her pitch, Thomas said, to politicians: If ever youve needed a moment that says, I can look past party and politics and everything else going on in the world, this is it. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. As the 10th State Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Virginia Air National Guard, I take great personal pride in supporting French and Millers application for the Medal of Honor. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Submit a Public Notice for Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Dirk Chatelain: Driven by the story, mine at The World-Herald has come to an end (for now at least), Time to move? The above summary gives a view of Charles Jackson French, a man who deserves a place in history, but like many Blacks have been excluded. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. The ultimate insult! In addition to newspaper and radio accounts, his story was told in bubble gum cards, comic strips, a calendar, even a verse by a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. More at the source. The link to these posts is here. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. To see this mini-series, click here. The event, held Feb. 9, 2023 in UNOs Milo Bail Student Center, honored Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French for his tremendous bravery and efforts in World War II. . On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. Read the full statement. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. C harles Jackson French, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. But French said he wasnt afraid. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. In Omaha, French was honored at a Creighton University football game and was selected to lead a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at an Armistice Day (now called Veterans Day) event. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. I say MOH. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. Will you do the same? S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! Charles Jackson French is another unsung Black veteran who demonstrated extreme heroism after his ship was attacked in the early morning of September 5, 1942. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. I know that lots of guys missed out on medals for one reason or another, but for him to be recognized at the time for risking life (from nature) to avoid having his companions killed by direct action or by being taken prisoner of the Japanese and to just get a letter seems more than just an over-site. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. Interspersed in these are items from partners with Amazing Black History that allow you to support our work without cost to you as we are paid a small royalty by the partner. Required fields are marked *. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. A letter of commendation? The award was presented during a ceremony in which a pool used for training Navy rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego was renamed in Frenchs honor. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. This cartoon by Black artist Charles Alston for the U.S. Office of War Information celebrates the wartime valor of Charles Jackson French and two other Black sailors, Doris "Dorrie" Miller and Ervin Bell. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. U.S. Navy Capt. For his bravery, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French was provided a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. "Bull" Halsey, the Commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, and the Navy Cross, the second-highest award available. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. The story of men who served their country when to do so was to endure, or to appear to accept the humiliating admission of ones own inferiority. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. Messman Charles French became a hero to his shipmates after their destroyer USS Gregory (DD-82) was sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy ships on 5 September 1942. . It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . Name a warship after this Hero. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. U . Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. The injustices of 1940s Jim Crow America are brought to life in this extraordinary blend of military and social history, an account that pays tribute to the valor of an all-black battalion whose crucial contributions at D-day have gone unrecognized to this day. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . Thems the devils fish. Bill to honor World War II hero Charles Jackson French at Omaha post office signed into law Updated: 6:46 PM CDT Jun 15, 2022 Infinite Scroll Enabled KETV Staff Report Show Transcript. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. He was a powerful swimmer and towed the raft for somewhere between six and eight hours throughout the night, until a landing craft discovered and rescued them. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Sergeant Major Ernest August Janson (August 17, 1878 - May 14, 1930) was a United States Marine who was highly decorated for his heroic actions in World War I. Note: when French was in the Navy, it was not permitted for there to be Blacks and Whites in the water at the same time. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. In May 2022, the Navy finally presented French'srelatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his heroics. The server is misbehaving. The French and five other brave sailors swam for up to eight hours to rescue all but eleven of the crew after they were stranded on the sea. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. 1 of 5. Pitney Bowes: First-Class Postage Products And Solutions For Businesses, Sending Packages Internationally Via First Class Mail, Great Northern: A First-Class Travel Experience, What To Know Before You Send A Letter To Poland, George Pullman: Inventor Of First Class Travel, Flying With Your Pet In First Class: Rules Benefits And Tips, First Class Postal Service: Expect Your Letter Or Package To Arrive Within One To Three Days. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. I like TOWs suggestion too. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. Despite the fact that more than one million African Americans served, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of Honor. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. French had been hailed as the hero of the Solomon Islands after the sinking of his ship, the USS Gregory, on Sept. 5, 1942, near Guadalcanal. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. According to the U.S. Navy Press Office, French had moved to Omaha from Arkansas, but re-enlisted in the Navy days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Racism preventing awarding a medal? French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. For meritorious conduct in action while serving on board of a destroyer transport which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese forces in the British Solomon Islands on September 5, 1942. French volunteered to tow the raft to another island that was safer, however, these were shark infested waters and those on board the raft attempted to talk French out of the mission, but he believed that death by shark would at least be quick and merciful. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. Charles Jackson French saved 15 men from the USS Gregory in September of 1942. Though the survivors felt French deserved a Medal of Honor or at least a Silver Star, the Swimming Hall of Fame story states, he never received either. The Omaha World-Herald reported that Frenchs story was brought back to prominence through a social media post by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Virginia State Conference NAACP, Doris (Dorie) Miller, is a Black veteran, who demonstrated such dedication to his duty on December 7, 1941, when his ship was attacked in Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller showed little regard for his safety when he dragged his wounded captain and several shipmates to safety before manning an anti-aircraft gun that he had never been trained to use, and brought down several Japanese planes, but was not recommended for the Medal of Honor. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. While it is great to receive these honors think how much better it would have been to the generations who were denied knowledge and inspiration from a true hero! The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. Military.com reports; A movement is gaining steam to recognize a heroic Black sailor from World War II, who towed a raftload of wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after their ship was sunk in 1942. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. When he is not sitting in front of a laptop, Todd enjoys soaking up everything the Jersey Shore has to offer with his wife, two sons and American Foxhound, Wally. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. French was honored at the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2021. The Navy mess attendant was credited with swimming for several hours through shark-infested waters while towing a lifeboat filled with wounded shipmates, all of whom were White, until they could be rescued. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. Your email address will not be published. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. "The country did . Ensign Robert Adrian was fresh out of the Naval Academy and a junior officer on the Navy destroyer USS Gregory when it was sunk near Guadalcanal on Sept. 5, 1942. Itwould ef. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest award for heroism not in combat and the non-combat equivalent of the Navy Cross, had only been created by executive order a month before Frenchs actions. 18 February 2022 SAN DIEGO - The Navy announced plans today to dedicate a rescue swimming training pool at Naval Base San Diego to Mess Attendant First Class Charles Jackson French in honor. Weeks later, he told the story of a heroic mess attendant named "French" who towed a raft full of about 15 wounded sailors including Adrian all night through shark-filled waters until they were rescued. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change BZ PO1 French! To see the posts, click here. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. Yet, history has overlooked him. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. Dismiss. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. He certainly earned a much higher award than he was given. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. But after his parents died, he moved to. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Charles Denver Barger (June 3, 1892 - November 25, 1936) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War I.He earned the medal while serving as a Chauchat automatic rifle gunner during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, when he and another soldier, Jesse N. Funk, entered no man's land despite . To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. Summary of H.R.1251 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. After the rescued ensign recounted the story to The Associated Press and on the radio, French became nationally known as the Human Tugboat. He received a heros welcome in his sisters hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. The son of a Black minister and a woman who would not admit she was White, James McBride grew up in orchestrated chaos with his 11 siblings in the poor, all-Black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. French received a letter of commendation from Admiral Bull Halsey that said; For meritorious conduct in action while serving on board of a destroyer transport which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese forces in the British Solomon Islands on September 5, 1942. The waters were shark-infested. Social media posts over the weekend began highlighting the story of Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, who became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. It took so long.. He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. When bombs sank the. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) launched a new series to recognize the courage and heroic deeds of the heroes who call the Omaha area home. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. [2] He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a unit of African American soldiers, landed on the beaches of France. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? These posts focus on the reality of Black life in America after the Civil War culminating in the landmark Brown v Board of Education that changed so many of the earlier practices. Since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the USS in! 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