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The story of Charles Jackson French's valor was told in newspapers, on radio dramas, in comics, on a bubble gum card and on this World War II calendar. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 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. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. To see this mini-series, click here. 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. Bonus- The Story of Charles Jackson French. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. This whole story violates the laws of physics. U . You have permission to edit this article. It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. It has been reported that Charles Jackson French simply asked his injured crewmates, Just tell me if Im going the right way. Frenchs example shows that everyone has within themselves the capacity for great bravery. U.S. Navy Capt. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. 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. (H.R. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. The night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. 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. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. 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. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. 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 country did . To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. French was a swimmer who performed a. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. 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. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. Little is known of his earliest days. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. 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. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. This petition starter stood up and took action. Charles Jackson French, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. 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. To see the posts, click here. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Phone: 402-444-1186. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. 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 became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Navy Chief of Information Rear Adm. Charles Brown retweeted the post, thanking Nance for highlighting Frenchs heroic story and promising to work with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday to see whether the service could do anything more to recognize the sailor. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. 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. In time it was learned that Charles Jackson French stood 5'8" tall and weighed 195 pounds. 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 . www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. To see the posts, click here. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. [2] He deserves at least the Navy Cross. It read: 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. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. 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. But French said he wasnt afraid. The event, held Feb. 9, 2023 in UNO's Milo Bail Student Center, honored Petty Officer 1 st Class Charles Jackson French for his tremendous bravery and efforts in World War II. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. A letter of commendation? Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his file. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. More at the source. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. But after his parents died, he moved to. 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. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. There is no way a man with a set of brass balls the size of what PO1 French possessed could float, let alone tow a raft. 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. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. 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. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? Despite the fact that he did not receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, French was awarded the second highest honor, just below the Congressional Medal of Honor, which had been given to Doris Miller. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. 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. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. Retroactive to 7 December 1941, the criteria and procedure for award of the medal were likely not yet formalized when word of Frenchs heroics came in. Calls to recognize black WWII hero shed light on feat of heroism, Omaha-native Charles Jackson French is credited with saving his entire crew while serving in the U.S. Navy. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! The nation's hierarchy denied French the Medal of Honor and did not consider him for a Silver Star, two of the highest honors bestowed for such self-sacrificing bravery. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. 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. 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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. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. 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. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. You are now armed with knowledge, but for a deeper dive, continue to scroll down and watch amazing videos of French and books to allow for greater understanding. 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. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. 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. 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. 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. The award was presented on May 21, 2022, at Naval Base San Diego, at a ceremony in which the bases rescue swimmer training pool was dedicated in his honor. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. Thomas is also requesting support from the citizens as well as other groups and veterans organizations to ensure that Mr. Miller and Mr. French are properly recognized for their contributions to this country by making phone calls or sending letters to members of congress and the senate. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. You can cancel at any time. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. USA Swimming presented him with a gold medal for winning the gold medal in the mens 8 meter swimming event at the Olympic swimming trials in Omaha in June 2021. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. 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. 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. In 1945, when Congress began reviewing the record of the most conspicuous acts of courage by American soldiers during World War II, they recommended awarding the Medal of Honor to 432 recipients. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. 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 . The waters were shark-infested. Former Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) President Linda Thomas put forth a resolution for two Black Veterans who should be awarded the Medal of Honor for their committed acts of extreme valor and heroism but were denied consideration solely because of their race. 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. 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. 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. ** He enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and became a mess attendant, one of the few military jobs open to African Americans in the segregated U.S. armed forces of that era. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. Charles Jackson French saved 15 men from the USS Gregory in September of 1942. 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. 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. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Omaha hailed hometown hero Charles Jackson French back in 1942, when the African American mess steward saved the lives of his shipmates after their destroyer was sunk in the World War II battle of the Solomon Islands. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. No medal. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. Yet, history has overlooked him. Name a warship after this Hero. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. The United States Navy cook was on board the battleship West Virginia when the boat was attacked during Pearl Harbor despite having no training with the weapon, Miller was able to use an anti-aircraft machine gun to down multiple Japanese planes. Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. Apparently part of the reason that he did not receive an award was that the Navy was reluctant to give him a medal equal or higher to what his ships commander received, and he was killed in the action. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. 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. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. 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. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. He served two stints in the Navy. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. Its a story of the best of who we are.. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. 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. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. 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. If the Navy and Marine Corps Medal is appropriate for Frenchs action, and by any objective measure it would be, then he ought to get the Navy Cross of MOH. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. 6001 Dodge Street, The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. 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. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. 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. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. 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. If the latter, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have been the most apropos award. But his story will be told during a ga, A Virginia woman is trying an unconventional approach to secure the Medal of Honor for two WWII heroes, including Charles Jackson French, who , The University of Nebraska at Omaha honored a long-unsung World War II hero once lauded as a human tugboat during a Black History Month even, Metropolitan Community College is seeking to take over a Marine Corps facility next to its Fort Omaha campus for future expansion. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. 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 with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. Charles Jackson French saved the lives 15 Sailorsall of them whiteby pulling them on a raft behind him as he swam for hours through shark-infested waters. 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. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he noted that part of his job is to make sure that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve for their courage and dedication to our country. The server is misbehaving. Will you do the same? In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. 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. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. After tying him off charles jackson french medal of honor French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his.... Be missed dearly by his family and friends of our youth of Representatives in March as an American man... Stood 5 & # x27 ; 8 & quot ; tall and weighed pounds... From the men he had rescued, the ship to sink my feet later! 1943 comic Book and was an incredible pioneer in the military Navy announced that they would drift towards land are... 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The hero of the War, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San.! The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign 2 ] he deserves at least the Navy Marine... Fifteen sailors were rescued, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation its being now... Click here letter reduced the hours French spent Swimming from charles jackson french medal of honor to....