Its a story of the best of who we are.. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. 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. His projects included the construction of a number of canals, railroads, and other public works, including the Washington Aqueduct and the Potomac Aqueduct in Washington, D.C. Charles Jackson Frenchs work was instrumental in the development of the modern infrastructure that we rely on today. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. 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. 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. He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. Name a warship after this Hero. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Bacon, R-Neb., had written a letter to the acting secretary of the Navy a year ago, asking for a review of Frenchs file to determine whether he had received the proper awards. But French said he wasnt afraid. Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. Dismiss. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. {{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 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. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. 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, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. 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. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. U.S. Navy Capt. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Phone: 402-444-1186. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. French like so many Black men believed that if they showed they were willing to fight for the country that the country would show them and people of their race some gratitude and equality only to return to the same situation they were fighting against. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. The waters were shark-infested. 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. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. The waters were shark-infested. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. 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. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. 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. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. 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. This is his jaw-dropping story. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. 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. 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. UNOs Hero of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition of Frenchs heroism. 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. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. Dismiss. 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. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. 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. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. 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. 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He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. 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. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. ** Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. 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. Continue for more information on the site and posts that may be of interest. This button displays the currently selected search type. 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. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. 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. 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. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. Of the many acts of bravery among the men of Gregory during its final battle (including the mortally wounded skipper ordering his crew to abandon him and help other wounded, never to be seen again) was Charles French. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. Please subscribe to keep reading. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. 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. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Racism preventing awarding a medal? French finished a four-year Navy tour in November 1941 and was visiting family in Omaha when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Charles Jackson French saved 15 men from the USS Gregory in September of 1942. To see the posts, click here. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. (H.R. A letter of commendation? (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. Itwould ef. 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. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. sliewer@owh.com; twitter.com/Steve Liewer. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. 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. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. 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. 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. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. Will you do the same? He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. Linda Thomas of Bowling Green, Virginia, wants President Joe Biden to award the Medal of Honor to Black World War II Navy heroes Doris Miller and Charles Jackson French. 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. Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . 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. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. 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. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. 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. 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. 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