Join now . The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. 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. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. 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. 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 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. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. 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. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. 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. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. 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. 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. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. This to the scientific notationed! Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. We see many examples of prisoners of war being treated with greater dignity than soldiers wearing American uniforms after suffering injuries, physical, emotional, mental, and even watched death. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. 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. 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, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. 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. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. Darn guys a stud. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . Bill to honor World War II hero Charles Jackson French at Omaha post office signed into law Updated: 6:46 PM CDT Jun 15, 2022 Infinite Scroll Enabled KETV Staff Report Show Transcript. 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. 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. The link to these posts is here. Im glad I waited til the evening to read this, its beer:30 hours at Fort Roh-Dog and this cold one is hoisted to the deeds of Messman Charles French. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. 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. Weeks later, he told the story of a heroic mess attendant named "French" who towed a raft full of about 15 wounded sailors including Adrian all night through shark-filled waters until they were rescued. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. He told the story frequently to family and tried for the rest of his life to get Charles Jackson French, the mess attendant, who was from Omaha, the valor award he was denied during the war. 1 of 5. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. 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For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his file. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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 exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. 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. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. 2023 A Month of Tribute to 31 Women We Should All Know, Rosewood A Typical Race Riot in America. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. 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. 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. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. 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. 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. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. Phone: 402-444-1186. 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. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! Its wonderful news that legislation to recognize Charles Jackson Frenchs incredible heroism is headed to the presidents desk, Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer, who had introduced companion legislation in the Senate, said in a statement. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. 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. 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. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. This whole story violates the laws of physics. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. . He deserves at least the Navy Cross. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. 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. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. {{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? His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. Dismiss. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. His own father served in the war, too. I know that lots of guys missed out on medals for one reason or another, but for him to be recognized at the time for risking life (from nature) to avoid having his companions killed by direct action or by being taken prisoner of the Japanese and to just get a letter seems more than just an over-site. If the Navy and Marine Corps Medal is appropriate for Frenchs action, and by any objective measure it would be, then he ought to get the Navy Cross of MOH. 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. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs 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. Racism preventing awarding a medal? He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. To see the posts, click here. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. 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. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. UNOs Hero of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition of Frenchs heroism. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. 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. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. Dismiss. 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. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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). 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. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. 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. 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. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. 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. 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. French was honored at the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2021. 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. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. Your email address will not be published. This request was also forwarded to the National NAACP office asking for a resolution to be adopted. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. Read the full statement. We encourage you to share the site on social media. 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. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. Change.org Uh oh. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. Charles Jackson French (on stage, not pictured) led a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Omaha Auditorium on Nov. 11, 1942, during the city's largest Armistice Day observance since the end of World War I 24 years earlier. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. 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. 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. But French said he wasnt afraid. French was a swimmer who performed a. To see the posts, click here. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. . Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. 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. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. 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. 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. 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. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Name a warship after this Hero. 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. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. To see this mini-series, click here. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. We depend on your support and thank you for it! The ultimate insult! 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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. 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. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. 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. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. 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