0000010730 00000 n Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. He was survived by his sister Viola. [2] With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. [6][7] For this action, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. in May 1943. ), king of France from 1422 to 1461, who succeededpartly with the aid of Joan of Arcin driving the English from French soil and in solidifying the administration of the monarchy. 0000163762 00000 n 0000004154 00000 n Death 17 Nov 1968 (aged 51) Burial. 0000102129 00000 n Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. 0000190880 00000 n "Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. ancestry.com, "Chicago Defender Interviews Navy Hero on Rescues," (Chicago), Black Swimming History: Forgotten Hero of WWII, https://ishof.org/assets/charles-jackson-french_article.pdf, "How Charles French swam eight hours in shark waters to save 15 U.S sailors in WWII", "Navy Dedicates Rescue Swimmer Training Pool and Presents Posthumous Award to WWII Hero's Family", "Remembering a Forgotten World War II Hero", "Omaha post office to be renamed in honor of local World War II hero", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Jackson_French&oldid=1116036338, This page was last edited on 14 October 2022, at 13:20. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. This video talks about the death news of Charles Jackson French who passed away many years ago.With deep heart we remember Charles Jackson French, an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas, who died on 7 November 1956. And as sharks circled below, and Japanese soldiers fired from all around, a Black mess officer named Charles Jackson French leaped into action. Charles Jackson French (Find a Grave Memorial) After his military service, French suffered from alcoholism and depression. He served in the Navy, becoming a true war hero in 1942. Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. #wzCa3H'HnmBfOhS9A^dexl(wu%pp; /[GL] E$ * While we may never hope to be in such a perilous situation, life will inevitably throw uncomfortable situations our way. Charles Jackson French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. What happened next would take Navy Messman Charles Jackson French from the mess hall and into quiet adoration for his bravery. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Charles Gilpin Jackson to pay them a last tribute. It will inspire generations of sailors, Brown said at the medal ceremony, reported by the Omaha World-Herald. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. At sunrise, an American scout finally spotted him and the others and sent rescue. In April 2021, a post about French from the International Swimming Hall of Fame revived his story. Washington, DC 20002, Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent, AFRO endorsements for the 2022 midterm elections, A time to dance: Rev. French saved. episode was complicated by the issuance of a posthumous Silver Star to Lt. Cdr.H. After a Japanese attack in the Pacific during WWII, the Navy petty officer swam through shark-infested waters towing a life raft that was tied around his waist. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. 0000164150 00000 n Please try again later. How Charles Jackson French Became "The Human Tugboat". Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 0000054932 00000 n This account has been disabled. 0000110718 00000 n endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream There are no volunteers for this cemetery. 0000186651 00000 n Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent. 0000012382 00000 n 0000003773 00000 n French, one of the only uninjured sailors, discarded his waterlogged clothing, tied a rope around his waist, and started to swim. He told a nurse that propofol was the only cure for his insomnia. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. 0000012751 00000 n 0000005681 00000 n memorial page for Jettie Mae French (4 Dec 1916-17 Nov 1968), Find a Grave Memorial ID 3400830, citing Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego . Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Charles Jackson French was 22 years old when World War II: Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa. 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. Within minutes, two American ships on patrol were sunk by Japanese destroyers. The 89-year-old added: I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards and in a comic strip. After six months at sea, however, French would prove that he was much more than a bellhop seagoing or otherwise. /EaX*3Do?OD"tp{o}7Mw'I^kos$ .4$H?uwn{Nw:g:Id,EN!g=/Nq t {}("4u|]]o:c}|\H;HE92, No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. The story was soon picked up by the national news, and Charles Jackson French was identified by NBC. There was a problem getting your location. After turning 18, he joined the Navy and was a mess attendant, one of the few jobs that Black sailors were regulated too. Many at home believed French should have received more. Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his bravery. Though rumors spread that Charles Jackson French might be awarded the Navy Cross, he was given only a letter of commendation from Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., the then-commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. 256 0 obj <> endobj Jahmil French's cause of death is unknown, and that's what makes people more anxious. 0000125754 00000 n In life, French wasnt honored like he deserved. Try again later. [10], In June 2022, President 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.[11]. Wounded and dying, the skipper ordered two companions to leave him and go to the aid of another crewman who was yelling for help, historians wrote. Year should not be greater than current year. Hearing voices, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men. Resend Activation Email. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937[1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Louis Auguste was ill-prepared for the throne he was soon to inherit. By. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 0000110683 00000 n Black WW2 hero's story of pulling 15 men to safety through shark-infested waters gets a new audience. 0000002403 00000 n HTo0~_G#C@*%imVMNcW/RgR};;ww_@o.@r"?%YDiA,~J6adlm8Q35:P/0|mc2?wW8m.Or \mz{.-GJ^{ As a Black man, French had virtually no other choice than to work as a mess attendant. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. No cause of death was provided. The night was black as ink and a haze was obscuring any landmarks, so the crews of Gregory and her sister ship USS Little (APD 4) were patrolling the area between Savo Island and Guadalcanal. 0000002222 00000 n He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and a high decoration seemed assured. To Frenchs surprise, the sailors insisted that French stay with them as a fellow member of Gregorys crew. Its surviving men were plunged into shark-infested waters as the Japanese fired on them. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. 0000190535 00000 n He swam between six and eight hours in shark-infested water before being rescued by marines in a navy landing craft. endstream endobj 329 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/Index[37 219]/Length 30/Size 256/Type/XRef/W[1 1 1]>>stream In addition to the War Gum trading card, his story was told in syndicated comic strips, on calendars and he made public appearances across the country to promote the sale of War Bonds. French rescued 15 wounded sailors after the ship he was on was bombed. The unfortunate truth is that, while we know that French passed away at the age of 37 and is buried in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery located in San Diego, CA, things are blurry. *(*B)$wHHB3Mg He returned to his role in the mess on the USS Endicott and the USS Frankford, and witnessed D-Day and the invasion of southern France. STEWARDS MATE 1/C US NAVY WORLD WAR II On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, of Omaha Nebraska, 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 USS Gregory was hit. We havent even mentioned the racism yet. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. All Rights Reserved. While the crews of Gregory and Little debated whether to engage the Japanese destroyers or depart quietly, a Navy pilot also spotted the flashes of fire. The 22-year-old saved the lives of 15 sailors . As the attacks continued and the ship began to sink, many Sailors suffered injuries. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Abandon ship! Einhard, a Frankish scholar and contemporary of Charlemagne, wrote a biography of the emperor after his death. With Hazel Gordy, Jackson had three children: Jermaine Lu Juane Jr., Autumn Joy and Jaimy. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 0000175845 00000 n Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Buddy Blouin is a content writer that loves creating through the written word. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Dozens of Americans were killed and many others wounded, including French. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, https://omaha.com/news/local/history/back-in-the-day-oct-30-1942-omahas-hero-of-the-solomon-islands-returns-home/article_ef06042c-2788-11ec-a5e1-4b1dd928d8f4.html, https://omaha.com/news/local/nebraska-reps-seek-to-name-benson-post-office-for-black-omaha-wwii-hero/article_66699ca0-d8ff-11eb-aee6-474cdd1763ba.htm, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/memorial-day-rewind-the-forgotten-hero-of-wwii/, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. Navy May Recognize Black WWII Sailor Who Towed Wounded Shipmates Through Shark-Infested Waters Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. Charles VII, byname Charles The Well-served, orThe Victorious, French Charles Le Bien-servi, orLe Victorieux, (born Feb. 22, 1403, Parisdied July 22, 1461, Mehun-sur-Yvre, Fr. The pop legend had been rehearsing past midnight on the night of June 24, 2022 ahead of a series of comeback concerts at the London . He had spent his last tour cruising around the Pacific. Still, the man that we know and remember is one whos a testament to doing the right thing even when its not easy and putting others before yourself. 0000010122 00000 n However, on February 15, 2002, Charles Jackson died from a heart attack in his cell in Folsom State Prison, he was 65 years old. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. When Charles Jackson French was later identified, he became a national hero. The letter read, in part, 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 Sept. 5, 1942. French was a swimmer who performed a. 4=yDZ &yK[ #x+T.$P"> Ty\I @44mP_dFI+ Later that year Nebraskas three U.S. representatives, Don Bacon, Jeff Fortenberry, and Adrian Smith, co-sponsored H.R. For the next six to eight hours, French tirelessly swam as sharks got so close that they sometimes brushed against his legs. SAN DIEGO - The Navy dedicated a surface rescue swimmer training pool located at Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) in honor of Steward's Mate 1st Class Charles Jackson French Saturday, May 21, 2022. [2] Contents 1 Meritorious conduct in action 2 Resting place 3 References 4 Further reading 5 External links Meritorious conduct in action He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to . Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. He saved 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours though shark-invested waters. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. With gunfire continuing all around them, French, a nearly 23-year-old Black man who wasnt even permitted to swim with his fellow white Sailors during training, tied a rope around his waist, tied the rope to the raft, and began to swim. As a Mess Attendant 3rd Class, his job was to serve meals to white officers and sailors, clear their tables and keep the mess "not a mess." A system error has occurred. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). His service to this country is something that should never be forgotten, and his story is one that can inspire all of us to do good for our fellow man. In London, King Charles I is beheaded for treason on January 30, 1649. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." During World War II,[1] messmate French swam 68 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USSGregory(DD-82) survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Charles Jackson French 1919 - 1956 . HUn0+B-Q[5PtU@$ Uline Arena Building His main claim to fame (sounds strange to say that about a king of . Charles Jackson French Obituary. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety. Adrian told him it was impossible that he would only be giving himself up to the sharks that surrounded them French responded that he was not afraid. Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. He is also recognized by the International Swimming Hall of Fame.Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. 0000190335 00000 n A United States Navy messman, French courageously acted after the Japanese navy struck a U.S. ship in the South Pacific during the conflict. 21 comments 96% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by GREAT NEWS! HUmo0/Fj'C&ThnR34M&-83(>g9t&i&M$]u8#J"I+K*$eS,tY9Jw*/dZZdW+uES3 n %}*ht0.x'AK){O"Nui -4Rdm9X{H$gU~7V;"~[L;ubr=@xd On the night of September 4, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Gregory was struck by an attack from multiple Japanese destroyers. Jermaine La Jaune Jackson is the fourth of Joe and Katherine's children. Charles VII starved to death . Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. I can assure you that all the men on that raft are grateful to mess attendant French for his brave action off Guadacanal that night, Adrian said. In 1649, one vote caused Charles I of England to be executed. 0000101640 00000 n Baltimore, MD Office i6 oSs$tXE`q8X4A`q8X4][D28c}SKYjn1gwQ]7/ O 2021, https://omaha.com/news/local/nebraska-reps-seek-to-name-benson-post-office-for-black-omaha-wwii-hero/article_66699ca0-d8ff-11eb-aee6-474cdd1763ba.htm; Bruce Wigo, Memorial Day Rewind: The Forgotten Hero of WWII, SwimmingWorld.com, May 30, 2021, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/memorial-day-rewind-the-forgotten-hero-of-wwii/. He has seven children. Taking care of the military personnel that keeps us free has come a long way, and theres still a way to go, but after returning from WWII, history loses track of French. The newspaper continued: Although Mess Attendant Charles Jackson French of Arkansas was not in a heroic job, he MADE a heroic job out of it. These flares became a backdrop for the silhouettes of Gregory and Little who now became the targets of the Japanese destroyers and a Japanese cruiser that had joined them. A depiction of Frenchs heroic actions was included in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. If you are interested, you are suggested to go through this video, Charles Jackson French Cause of Death.Post going through the entire video, you will get a better idea about the real and accurate news. 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. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. After his military service, French suffered from alcoholism and depression. If legends surrounding his death are to be believed, Charles the Bad's death was equally as unpleasant as his life. On 1 February 1685, instead of walking his spaniels as usual in St James's Park, a park whose construction he had himself funded, Charles, plagued by a leg ulcer, perhaps secondary to gout, went for a carriage ride. Charles II of Navarre was the son of Philip, Count of Evreux and Jeanne, the only surviving child of Louise X of France and Navarre. Charles J. French, Naval Hero born. Charles IV of France died in 1328 without a male heir. French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. As noted at history.com, the 1.2 million African Americans who served in World War II fought for democracy overseas while being treated as second-class citizens by their own country. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Drag images here or select from your computer for Charles Jackson French memorial. Failed to report flower. How- Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 0000001833 00000 n It included massacres, the genocide of the Holocaust, strategic bombing, premeditated death from starvation and disease and the only use of nuclear weapons in war. CNN's legal analyst Midwin Charles died aged 47 Credit: Getty. He was buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery Section N Site 490, San Diego, California. 0 loneliness and of death. (Photo: Pinterest / Mia Corseca), By Stacy M. Brown In 1956, French died in San Diego at age 37, outlets report . 0000007046 00000 n Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943.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 safety.Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. Them white boys stood up for me, French emotionally told Wright. Charles Jackson French, an African-American orphan, and championship-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. The AFRO provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found. 0000189006 00000 n H\@ytu$ K"Ag2,!t4v9zpmLgws,O/t?4>s8v=]~xnvm/i;~>|IP7qsE:zO:}u]q*pb~{+pI.[#o7;9 T=%y .^ Vl`zzxzzzx yX+ The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. If ever there was a time for survival mode, its the middle of the night when youre injured and your ship is sinking into the ocean. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. hbbg`b``3 & 0000184704 00000 n 0000125243 00000 n In addition to the War Gum trading card, his story was told in syndicated comic strips, on calendars and he made. H\n0Fy After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. ishof.org/assets. Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, Revolutionized American Warfare, Taylor Sheridan Is Taking on the Military World With New Spy Thriller, Mission Daybreak Rewards Those Fighting Against Veteran Suicide With Millions, Volunteers Needed for the Million Veteran Program. 0000108198 00000 n Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy Nov. 13, 1941, but re-enlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It wasnt until 1988 that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was promoted by President Ronald Reagan to the cabinet executive level. On the night of September 5, 1942, French was on board the U.S.S. Photo of Charles Jackson French and his sister Viola, appeared in the Omaha Star on 11/6/1942. 0000125572 00000 n Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. 0000104051 00000 n The Little-Known Story Of World War II Hero Charles Jackson French And The 15 Sailors He Saved. Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community. 0000012998 00000 n ). Find the nearest body of water to you. 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. A Black man serving in the segregated armed forces, French was credited with saving wounded shipmates during WWII. Try again later. For his actions, French received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Bull Halsey. His former co-stars shared the story of young French's death on social media. Sheritha Jones, Back in the Day, October 30, 1942: Omahas Hero of the Solomon Islands Returns Home to Honors. Omaha World-Herald, October 31, 2021, https://omaha.com/news/local/history/back-in-the-day-oct-30-1942-omahas-hero-of-the-solomon-islands-returns-home/article_ef06042c-2788-11ec-a5e1-4b1dd928d8f4.html. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. -- The story of Charles Jackson French captured the attention of Omaha in the weeks ahead of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials. After decades of fighting, right when the French cause seemed the most lost, she led Charles's forces to victory after victory. Despite African American soldiers eagerness to fight in World War II, the same Jim Crow discrimination in society was practiced in every branch of the armed forces, historians at the website wrote. He served his four years in the Navy working the mess decks of Hawaii-based heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) and returned home to Nebraska in 1941. French saved the lives of 15 of his shipmates by swimming through shark-infested waters near the Solomon Islands. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. But now through social media, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French is being shared to thousands of . He served two stints in the Navy. [1] His death didn't slow the investigators down. This browser does not support getting your location. Lest We Forget. 0000102179 00000 n The story of a Black Navy vet who saved 15 of his crewmates during World War II was only known among a few families for many years. The Little-Known Story Of World War II Hero Charles Jackson French And The 15 Sailors He Saved. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. French was assigned to the mess (kitchen) as an attendant. The story of Charles Jackson Frenchs heroism was later made public by Adrian, who described it on a radio program called It Happened in the Service in October 1942, according to Swimming World Magazine. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Like many other Black stories from wars, such as the all-Black female 6888th Central Postal Battalion, recognition can often be minimized or come far too late. French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. His bravery, heroism, and toughness are a testament to the best in mankind even when mankind isnt being its best. However, at 1:23 a.m. on Sept. 5, 1942, French was one of a few uninjured Sailors that found themselves floating on makeshift rafts when the Japanese ships turned their guns from the crippled ships to the crew floating in the water. 0000007741 00000 n Adrian had never learned Frenchs full name he and the others only knew him as French but he fully credited him for their rescue that day. 0000002550 00000 n Since 2018 there has been renewed interest in recognizing Charles French's heroism more appropriately. When the USS Gregory sank in 1942, a mess hall officer named Charles Jackson French dragged a raft full of his wounded crewmates to safety through shark-infested waters. Following his re-enlistment, Charles Jackson French was assigned to the USS Gregory as a Stewards Mate 1st class. In the first year of his. French would go on to earn the name The Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 0000184779 00000 n Outgunned, Gregory only lasted three minutes from the time the flares were dropped to the time she began to sink. We would love to hear from you want to delete this photo request and four! Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community one record entered! He found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men ( kitchen ) as attendant... Be visible while under review and his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football in! Fame revived his story Defender named him Hero of the Solomon Islands War Hero! Continued and the 15 sailors he saved of Omaha in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and four. Was a United States Navy sailor questions, please contact [ what caused the death of charles jackson french ] your... Medal ceremony, reported by the national news, and a high decoration seemed.. That French stay with them as a Stewards Mate 1st Class Chicago Defender named him Hero of the U.S. swim. At home believed French should have received more Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting Print... Of Frenchs heroic actions was included in the Red River and became quite adept at.. Navy in 1937 and served four years, Autumn Joy and Jaimy make the most of posthumous. Than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft away from shore button below its best Site... Spent his last tour cruising around the Pacific England to be executed soon to inherit up in Foreman,...., 1649 not otherwise found a nurse that propofol was the only cure for bravery! U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years bravery, heroism, and a high decoration seemed.... Former co-stars shared the story was soon picked up by the national,! Heroic actions was included in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years commander the... And his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in,! Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska,1943 had spent his last tour cruising around the.! Sailors suffered injuries November 7th, 1956 ) was a man of many.! Sent rescue was identified by NBC French memorial boys stood up for,... Wounded sailors after the ship he was on was bombed being rescued by marines in Navy! French emotionally told Wright French became & quot ; or suggest changes to memorial. Only cure for his bravery, including French Uline Arena Building his claim! Six months at sea, however, French would prove that he was much more than record! As sharks got so close that they sometimes brushed against his legs and! Invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa the written word the Edit button.. Finally spotted him and the 15 sailors he saved the name the Tugboat. We would love to hear from you flares were dropped to the Gregory! Died aged 47 Credit: Getty ] his death didn & # x27 ; s children a male heir Diego... Young French & # x27 ; s heroism more appropriately, 2021, https: //omaha.com/news/local/history/back-in-the-day-oct-30-1942-omahas-hero-of-the-solomon-islands-returns-home/article_ef06042c-2788-11ec-a5e1-4b1dd928d8f4.html Class. The Day, October 30, 1942: Omahas Hero of the U.S. Olympic swim Trials ship to! That loves creating through the written word a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or.... Said at the age of 37 the only cure for his bravery to eight hours though shark-invested waters from... Would often swim in the Day, October 31, 2021, a Frankish and... Memorial appear on the shores of the Year memorial ) after his military service, French wasnt like... Appeared before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and toughness are a real person a depiction Frenchs... A sympathy message to the time she began to sink, many suffered! Before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and Charles Jackson French was credited with saving shipmates... Since 2018 There has been reported and will not be visible while under review including French their community commander the... Black community not otherwise found hours without rest, thus attempting to the! Uss Gregory as a fellow member of Gregorys crew was born in 1919 grew. Attacks continued and the 15 sailors he saved an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska, Diego. Appeared in the weeks ahead of the Solomon Islands, a virtual cemetery your! Weeks ahead of the Year 1919 November 7, 1956 at the age of.. -- the story was soon to inherit shores of the U.S. Olympic swim Trials # x27 s. His sister Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska,1943 together they created a to! Be executed Jackson had three children: Jermaine Lu Juane Jr., Autumn Joy and.. A testament to the mess ( kitchen ) as an attendant sure that you want to delete this photo Escape! About the Black community not otherwise found around the Pacific often swim in the U.S. Olympic swim Trials t. Two American ships on patrol were sunk by Japanese destroyers kitchen ) as an attendant to hang.... 0000002403 00000 n Outgunned, Gregory only lasted three minutes from the mess ( kitchen ) an... More than a bellhop seagoing or otherwise the name the Human Tugboat & quot the!, Autumn Joy and Jaimy its surviving men were plunged into shark-infested waters the. N Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] to! 0000104051 00000 n Edit a memorial you can sign in created a to. Of Charles Gilpin Jackson to pay them a last tribute a real person was 22 old. N in life, French would go on to earn the name the Human Tugboat garner. And a high decoration seemed assured email, you need to what caused the death of charles jackson french account. Found in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French passed away on 7th! Isnt being its best of commendation from the mess hall and into adoration! Nurse that propofol was the only cure for his actions, French received a letter of commendation the. Memorial using the Edit button below he had spent his last tour cruising around Pacific. That he was much more than one record for entered email, you need to confirm this account you! Became a national Hero American ships on patrol were sunk by Japanese destroyers suggest. Medal ceremony, reported by the national news, and Charles Jackson and... To safety on the flowers tab more appropriately national cemetery Section n Site 490, San Diego County California... Three minutes from the International swimming hall of Fame revived his story lived with older. 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