French, a Black man from Foreman, Arkansas, worked as a mess attendant on a destroyer transport ship named the USS Gregory, according to a 1943 Associated Press article. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. 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. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. ** Bonus- The Story of Charles Jackson French. . Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. On May 21, 2022, a dedication ceremony for the bases rescue swimmer training pool in Frenchs honor was held at Naval Base San Diego, during which the award was presented. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. 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. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. This is a close as you can get to a system of slavery as it is forced on the service member. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. 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A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. 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. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. 6001 Dodge Street, 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. To see this mini-series, click here. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. This is his jaw-dropping story. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. 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 . 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. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. 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. 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. We depend on your support and thank you for it! Thats a portrait of a hero. Yet, history has overlooked him. French saved. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. 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. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. We, the undersigned, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to correct this travesty and give Petty Officer French the recognition he deserved for his selfless act of bravery. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. 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. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. 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. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! I like TOWs suggestion too. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, spoke at the event, pointing to how his actions can inspire us all to be heroes in our own way. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. 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. 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. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. . I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. He served two stints in the Navy. 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. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. 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. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. 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. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. This sounds horrendous and it was, but it is just one example of the horrors of war that greeted Black soldiers who had risked their lives for their country with the goal of making it an equitable society for all. 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. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. 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 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. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. 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. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. If the latter, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have been the most apropos award. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. Nothing of value. There are some that estimated the time at two hours but in any case, it was a tremendous physical act of courage, keeping in mind that the enemy was still searching for them with the intent of killing them. 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 was awarded both the Army and Navy Medal of Honor, the French Mdaille militaire and Croix de Guerre as well as decorations from Italy, Montenegro and Portugal. 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. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. The link to these posts is here. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 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. 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. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. Darn guys a stud. 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. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. 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. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. Miller received the Navy Cross (the second-highest award for combat valor) and Bell received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (the highest award for noncombat heroism). 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. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 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