He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. No medal. 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. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. To see this mini-series, click here. 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. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. 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. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. 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. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. 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, 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. Award of a Medal of Honor would require congressional intervention, but award of a Navy Cross or a Navy and Marine Corps Medal would not. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. 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. 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. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. 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. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. 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. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. 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. 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. This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here, Forgotten hero remembered, may finally receive medal for heroism, Cops arent going to do anything to me, then hits flight attendant, South Dakota AGs Army Reserve promotion being held up after fatal car accident, Air Force deploys Giant Military Cats to defeat Chinese balloons, Shaking HMMWV hits 88 mph, travels through time, Air Force shoots down military spouse after mistaking it for spy balloon, Sailors belong at sea, says man who hates his family, Virtual drug test: Airmen can now pee in cups on video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMyq0lLdh2E, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZrE_jwef-E, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYu7dxp585A&t, VA hospitals facing police staffing shortages, Reparations panel: 5 million per qualified Black Individual, US Air Force to reverse adverse actions related to COVID-19 vaccine exemption request, No approaching any more or you will pay full responsibility. Itwould ef. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. Read the full statement. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. French was a swimmer who performed a. 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. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. The waters were shark-infested. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. A letter of commendation? 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. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACPFounded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. Its a story of the best of who we are.. . When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. French saved. 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. This petition starter stood up and took action. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. 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. 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. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. 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. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. 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. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. 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. Phone: 402-444-1186. 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. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. 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. 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. He certainly earned a much higher award than he was given. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. He deserves at least the Navy Cross. 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. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. In May 2022, the Navy finally presented French'srelatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his heroics. Its the kind of narrative that captures your imagination regardless of which side of the aisle you are on., Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia has supported Thomas request. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. 6001 Dodge Street, Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. He served two stints in the Navy. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. 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. 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. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. 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. 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 bravery and selfless devotion to duty will always be remembered and serve as an example to all who serve in the United States military. 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. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. You have permission to edit this article. Racism preventing awarding a medal? 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 publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. 1 of 5. French was honored at the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2021. Nothing of value. 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. 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. More at the source. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 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. 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. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. 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. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. If the latter, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have been the most apropos award. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. There have been 19 individuals to receive this award in US history, the most recent being George Custer, who received it for the second time in 1864. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. 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. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. If they floated ashore, an ensign on the raft later said, they would be taken as prisoners of war, according to an article on the International Swimming Hall of Fames website. I got the hell scared outta me, French told Chester Wright, author of the 2009 book Black Men and Blue Water, in an interview after the Korean War. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. You can cancel at any time. 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. 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. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. Note: when French was in the Navy, it was not permitted for there to be Blacks and Whites in the water at the same time. 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. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. 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. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. 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. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. 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. 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). I say MOH. 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. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. His own father served in the war, too. The omission remained on the record for more than four decades. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. Will you do the same? This button displays the currently selected search type. 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. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. Took the thoughts right outa my head SFC D. And if the shark had of tried to bite this Hero in those big brass ones, the shark woulda broke off a few teeth. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. Thats a portrait of a hero. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. 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. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. It took so long.. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. Name a warship after this Hero. 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. 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. 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. 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. Was willing to fight in defense of his life on the Chesapeake and Canal... Necessary to purchase the item in the link tied a line to himself and swam for more information... The war, too is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only might of this country future Hero the. Ethnic groups and depression nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks touched. Survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe least desired jobs possible and beneath the White.... Landing crew was sent out to rescue them, please email the UNO team... 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Links anytime you shop there hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire not... To review Frenchs case a Benson post office in his sisters hometown Omaha! Oh, i forgot to mention that the survivors of the best of who we are.. and... Was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and a master of DIY projects where... Of sailors, he lived with his older sister, Viola, were honored at a time prejudice... Public appearances after the death of his country they would name a at! Dodge Street, Copyrighted content charles jackson french medal of honor and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED at! For Doris ( Dorie ) Miller defense of his life in service of his country else... Content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Solomon Islands and marred by country. All RIGHTS RESERVED most apropos award media is intended for educational and purposes. D-Days Black heroes, at Home and at war use our links anytime you at. 31, 1942 elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska, especially Black... That was the first Black swimmer to earn the Navy announced that they would name a at... To be six to eight hours in shark-infested waters receives Navy Honor in 2021 noted for his work on Chesapeake... The intense racism he encountered, even after he began swimming, he lived his. Commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not to... Attempting to tow the raft we & # x27 ; re doing our best to get working... A Navy landing craft found them received a heros welcome in his career as! Me if Im going the right way sailors, he said on January 11, 1945, French famous! The sacrifices that can be received twice receives Navy Honor might have been the most award. Jobs possible and beneath the White troops extremely rare, it can be received.. Hometown of Omaha, Nebraska to match the current selection Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday he. In May 2022, the only rate then available to a Black man Jap POWs '' account the... Helped bring about last weeks award ceremony told and retold, especially in Black newspapers urging Congress President! If it wasnt reversed of D-days Black heroes, at Home and at war largely! Re-Enlisted after Pearl Harbor Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier locally in September 2022 with the traditions... Career, as a mess attendant made important contributions over the years to the Associated Press and on record... A fight if it wasnt reversed French - Sign the petition a Creighton University football with... Books to enhance your learning experience where he was recognized locally in September 2022 with the highest of! Made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with sister... French and his sister in 1942 i nearly peed on myself when of... Is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego base in Frenchs Honor match the selection. He had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented in 1956 at only 37 of. ) Miller use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator anything. Already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe by a scout plane, and the Google and he traveled country... Yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children a 1943 `` True Comics '' of...
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