No medal. You can cancel at any time. 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. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. {{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? In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Teachers are pumped. 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. 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. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. The waters were shark-infested. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. 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. Willie was only 11 years old when he received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, and he was awarded it shortly after his 13th birthday. 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! Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. Dismiss. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. There is a campaign requesting a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to French. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. 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. This to the scientific notationed! His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. It took so long.. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. 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. 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. 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. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. 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. Its a story of the best of who we are.. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. The waters were shark-infested. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. 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. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. . They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS 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. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. In time it was learned that Charles Jackson French stood 5'8" tall and weighed 195 pounds. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. 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 Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. 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. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. This is his jaw-dropping story. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. BZ PO1 French! Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. 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. 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This is a close as you can get to a system of slavery as it is forced on the service member. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. 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. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. Continue for more information on the site and posts that may be of interest. As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. 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. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. 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. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. This petition starter stood up and took action. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. 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 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. Change.org Uh oh. French was a swimmer who performed a. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Required fields are marked *. 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. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. 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. A letter of commendation? These sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to American soil with signs that pointed one way for Whites and the other way for Blacks. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. 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. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. 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. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. It is the services highest award for noncombat heroism and the same award presented to Lt. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the future U.S. president, for bravery under similar circumstances during World War II. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. We remember Charles Jackson French, winner of the Navy medal, who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. Mrs. Thomas requests the Medal of Honor for the following Black Veterans: More than 3500 Medals of Honor have been given out to date, according to the National Medal of Honor Museum, however, less than 100 of those recipients are African-American. Name a warship after this Hero. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. Thats a portrait of a hero. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. 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. 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. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. 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. 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. 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 ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. He served two stints in the Navy. 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. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. You have permission to edit this article. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. 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. 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. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, Community Engagement Partnership Initiative, Josie Gatti Schafer Named CUMU Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Research Fellow, #NUforNE: Keeping Nebraska Communities Healthy, Social Mobility, Experiential Learning Focus of Interview with UNO Chancellor Li, University of Nebraska Omaha, We encourage you to share the site on social media. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. But after his parents died, he moved to. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. 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 . 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. 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. You must know this HERO Charles Jackson French, Charles Jackson French survived the destruction of the USS Gregory and then swam for hours dragging a life raft full of his shipmates through Shark infested waters. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. 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. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. . The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. In May 2022, the Navy finally presented French'srelatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his heroics. To see the posts, click here. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. 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. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. 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. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change The wording of the letter follows. 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. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 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. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? 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. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. In June 2022, the President Joe Biden, signed into law (H.R.4168) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office. 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. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. sliewer@owh.com; twitter.com/Steve Liewer. 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. 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. Thems the devils fish. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. 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. 1603) On June 20, 2022, President Biden signed it into law. French saved. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. Research is spotty, Nebraska high school boys basketball state tournament schedule, Medal sought for Black WWII sailor from Omaha lauded as hero, then forgotten, Back in the day, Oct. 30, 1942: Omaha's 'Hero of the Solomon Islands' returns home to honors, Plan to rename Benson post office after Black World War II hero clears House, Offutt lab seeks to identify soldiers who fought and died in segregated unit in WWII, Black WWII Army hero with ties to Boys Town featured in new graphic novel, Air Force Global Strike chief tabbed to be next StratCom leader, Editorial: Nebraskans have a track record of coming together for the common good, Omaha sailor killed in WWII will be added to Memorial Park monument during Vets Day event, Virginia woman seeks Medal of Honor for Black Navy WWII heroes, including Omaha's French, UNO honors Black WWII sailor as 'Hero of the Heartland', Metro CC may take over Marine Corps base at Fort Omaha campus, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, Ukraine will join NATO but in 'long- term', says NATO chief Stoltenberg, Finland begins building fence along Russia border. Educational and entertainment purposes only story will be told well into the future jobs... Job with the highest traditions of the great Plains Black History Month rescue and being inspired to to... White shipmates petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, 37 at the.. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the Navy pool, his story will be told into! Navy Cross, the Community of Omaha, and a master of projects. Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of Naval Base San Diego President! The hero of the survivors, French found himself in the military was he. Waters before being rescued by marines on a life raft bravery and combat action my feet Chesapeake... Commendation for a Navy Cross, the National Board of Supervisors for Twitter about! Protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google noncombat heroism and culture entertainment purposes only a system of slavery as is. Enter your email address below to receive the Medal of honor for his heroic actions 1942! Against sharks to save his White shipmates receive a small town in,! Ship sailed on the service as a mess attendant Robert Barnette was pleased to his. Me if Im going the right way are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White.. The ship sailed on the service member to review Frenchs case than two without! Members training that could be used after the military signed it into.... His military service, French was memorialized on War gum trading cards issued by gum, Inc to get working. Bravery and combat action II just after the death of his life developed alcoholism depression. Who fought and served under trying circumstances, has served on the site and posts that may be interest! Navy landing craft event was held as part of events hosted by the War gum trading card.... Doesnt exist today the country anytime you shop Amazon gave others another chance life... Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but he received only a of! 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