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 gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. Another of Frenchs nephews, 89-year-old Roscoe Harris of Omaha, also attended, along with two of his own sons and three of his grandsons. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. 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. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. More at the source. 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. 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. 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. French may have been denied the medal because a Silver Star was awarded to one of his superiors and it was unprecedented to award a higher medal to a subordinate. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? It was amplified on social media in spring 2021, prompting USA Swimming to honor him during the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha last June. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change This request was also forwarded to the National NAACP office asking for a resolution to be adopted. BZ PO1 French! This man did as much if not more than a medic often does to save 15 of his comrades from capture, while being actively shelled, in shark infested waters. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. 1 of 5. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. To see the full listing of over 250 posts, click on our Blog listWe post weekly, so check often, For Black History Month 2020, we posted daily. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. French's story first came to light when Robert N. Adrian a young ensign, told a reporter from the Associated Press about how Charles braved the Pacific Ocean to bring the men to . This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. Please subscribe to keep reading. You have permission to edit this article. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. The remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers ultimately awarded the World War II Medal of Honor, and the 50-year campaign to deny them their recognition. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French swam through shark-infested waters for hours while towing a raft loaded with 15 of his wounded USS Gregory shipmates. 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 waters were shark-infested. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. Phone: 402-444-1186. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan and champion-caliber swimmer, navigated shark-infested waters for about eight hours during World War II on a frigid September 1942 night to pull to safety a raft of 15 sailors. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. Despite the fact that more than one million African Americans served, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of Honor. 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. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. We depend on your support and thank you for it! Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. 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. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. French was a swimmer who performed a. Omahans during World War II knew a strong-swimming, shark-defying, human tugboat of a hero when they saw one, regardless of the color ofCha, An African American sailor from Omaha was hailed as a hero during World War II for swimming through shark-infested waters to rescue his wounde, The full House approved HR 4168 to rename the facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office., The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said identifications of the 92nd Infantry members, known as "Buffalo Soldiers," have beendifficult beca, Lt. Vernon Baker of Clarinda, Iowa, is part of a series of graphic novels about recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nations highest award f, A 36-year Air Force missile and space officer has been nominated as the next commander of Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command, the Pentagon an, Eighty years ago, Nebraska set the pace for the nation in launching a scrap metal drive to support the World War II effort. From left are Navy public affairs officer Krishna Jackson, Samuel Harris, Chester French Jr., Michael Harris, Linda French, Christopher Harris, Roscoe Harris, Christopher Harris Jr., Mark Harris and Capt. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. On September 5, 1942, U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French navigated through shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, towing 15 wounded sailors to safety from. I like TOWs suggestion too. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 68 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USS Gregory survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. 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. In this story can be found the heretofore-unwritten chapters of one phase of the Negroes march toward freedom in America, written by a man who participated in it. . Information from ISHOF, military.com, KETV in Omaha, and the Chicago Defender was used in the article, Filed Under: Heroes Tagged With: Charles Jackson French, rescue, Solomon Islands, USS Gregory. 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Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. 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. Nothing of value. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. This is a close as you can get to a system of slavery as it is forced on the service member. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said in a statement: The story of Charles Jackson French needs to be told and shared for generations to come. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. 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. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. My interest in improving aerodynamic efficiency in airplanes, cars, ships, and energy conversion devices led me to open this blog based on my expertise and desire to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Charles Jackson French (on stage, not pictured) led a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Omaha Auditorium on Nov. 11, 1942, during the city's largest Armistice Day observance since the end of World War I 24 years earlier. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. I think I would lean toward Medal of Honor just based on what I read here, but Im sure the details would sway me one way or the other. Charles French managed to load fifteen injured crew members onto a life raft and then tied a rope to the raft and secured the other end to his waist, after which he swam for eight hours through shark-infested water until they were rescued, but received no recommendation for the Medal of Honor. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, swam through the night for 6 8 hours pulling a raft of 15 wounded sailors with a rope around his stomach through shark infested waters after the ship on which he was serving, the USS Gregory, was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. One member of the 320th would be nominated for the Medal of Honor, an award he would never receive because the nations highest decoration was not given to black soldiers in World War II. 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. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. U . UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. On Thursday, a billto rename the Benson postal facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office cleared the Senate by a unanimous vote. Additionally, it has continued to pursue advocacy objectives that are in line with policies and plans pertaining to veterans of African heritage. According to VSC President Robert Barnette, black veterans have made important contributions over the years to the military might of this country. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. For generations, those of us native to the South have taken great pride in our heritage, our traditions, and in the telling of our stories. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. I find it hard to believe that the Admiral would sign a letter of commendation that said that and thought it was the right award, if race did not play a part. We know of this story because of the courage demonstrated by Ensign Robert N Adrian, the only officer from the bridge of the Gregory to survive. James McBride, journalist, musician, and son, explores his mothers past, as well as his own upbringing and heritage, in a poignant and powerful debut, The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. His own father served in the war, too. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. Aside: f*ck sharks. Racism preventing awarding a medal? No medal. Im glad I waited til the evening to read this, its beer:30 hours at Fort Roh-Dog and this cold one is hoisted to the deeds of Messman Charles French. Will you do the same? Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. 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. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. Join now . He told the story to the Associated Press which he also did on NBC radio program It Happened in the Service., Ensign Robert N. Adrian was awarded the Purple Heart and the man who rescued him got a letter meritorious conduct in action. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. 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. The inaugural Hero of the Heartland event, hosted by UNOs Office of Multicultural Affairs and UNOs Military-Connected Resource Center, honored a World War II hero whose acts have been largely forgotten for decades. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. 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 Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 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. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. His family was presented with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and a swimming pool used for training at the Naval Base San Diego was dedicated in his honor in May 2022. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. 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. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. 6001 Dodge Street, 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! When Adrian told him that the swim would be arduous and the water was full of sharks, French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. Yet, history has overlooked him. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. It is a fact that the victors in battle or those in power in peace write the history of past events to support their views of what should have happened versus the cold hard facts. This to the scientific notationed! Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. 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. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. You can cancel at any time. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. The night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. U.S. Navy Capt. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Did I misread the Congressional Order, or did they not suspend the statute of limitations for review of awards where race may have played a issue in denial or downgrade of award. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has continued its advocacy work in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1935 through the Virginia State Conference. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. Tucked away from Asheville, North Carolina's busy [Read More] about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, As a youngster studying American History, we [Read More] about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Copyright 2023 TheSouthern.Life Site design by: weblotech.com, about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Read the story of Paul Bolden, Medal of Honor recipient from Alabama, Read the story of John Pruitt, WWI recipient of two Medals of Honor, The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. There was a problem saving your notification. He told Adrian, Just keep telling me if Im going the right way. Once daylight broke, the raft was spotted by a scout plane, and a landing crew was sent out to rescue them. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Was set ablaze by the office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History 2022... To a Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates years the! 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