While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said in a statement: The story of Charles Jackson French needs to be told and shared for generations to come. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. We depend on your support and thank you for it! 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. When he is not sitting in front of a laptop, Todd enjoys soaking up everything the Jersey Shore has to offer with his wife, two sons and American Foxhound, Wally. The 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. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. 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. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. [2] The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. 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. 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. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. To see this mini-series, click here. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. 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. 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. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. To see the posts, click here. Willie Johnson, the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor, is also the youngest person to receive the medal. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he noted that part of his job is to make sure that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve for their courage and dedication to our country. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. The story of Charles Jackson French's valor was told in newspapers, on radio dramas, in comics, on a bubble gum card and on this World War II calendar. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. 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. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. 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. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. 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. 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). Yet, history has overlooked him. 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. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. Itwould ef. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. 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. But French said he wasnt afraid. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. 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. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. The award was presented during a ceremony in which a pool used for training Navy rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego was renamed in Frenchs honor. (H.R. Little is known of his earliest days. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. But after his parents died, he moved to. 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. Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French swam through shark-infested waters for hours while towing a raft loaded with 15 of his wounded USS Gregory shipmates. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. 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. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 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. 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. 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. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. 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. 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. French received a letter of commendation from Admiral Bull Halsey that said; For meritorious conduct in action while serving on board of a destroyer transport which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese forces in the British Solomon Islands on September 5, 1942. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. 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. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! 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. Charles French managed to load fifteen injured crew members onto a life raft and then tied a rope to the raft and secured the other end to his waist, after which he swam for eight hours through shark-infested water until they were rescued, but received no recommendation for the Medal of Honor. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. French was honored at the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2021. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Will you do the same? 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. In her pitch, Thomas said, to politicians: If ever youve needed a moment that says, I can look past party and politics and everything else going on in the world, this is it. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. Messman Charles French became a hero to his shipmates after their destroyer USS Gregory (DD-82) was sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy ships on 5 September 1942. Racism preventing awarding a medal? 1 of 5. Interspersed in these are items from partners with Amazing Black History that allow you to support our work without cost to you as we are paid a small royalty by the partner. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. 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. 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. 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. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. French like so many Black men believed that if they showed they were willing to fight for the country that the country would show them and people of their race some gratitude and equality only to return to the same situation they were fighting against. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. ** Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change In May 2022, the Navy finally presented French'srelatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his heroics. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. This petition starter stood up and took action. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. 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. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. The waters were shark-infested. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. 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. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. 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. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. 6001 Dodge Street, James McBride, journalist, musician, and son, explores his mothers past, as well as his own upbringing and heritage, in a poignant and powerful debut, The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. 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. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. 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. 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. 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 swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. The son of a Black minister and a woman who would not admit she was White, James McBride grew up in orchestrated chaos with his 11 siblings in the poor, all-Black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. 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. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. 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. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. The wording of the letter follows. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. 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. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. He was awarded both the Army and Navy Medal of Honor, the French Mdaille militaire and Croix de Guerre as well as decorations from Italy, Montenegro and Portugal. 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 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. Teachers are pumped. Dismiss. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. 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. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. 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. 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 the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. The event, held Feb. 9, 2023 in UNO's Milo Bail Student Center, honored Petty Officer 1 st Class Charles Jackson French for his tremendous bravery and efforts in World War II. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. 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. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a unit of African American soldiers, landed on the beaches of France. 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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. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. Thems the devils fish. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant.
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