charles jackson french medal of honor

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. This man did as much if not more than a medic often does to save 15 of his comrades from capture, while being actively shelled, in shark infested waters. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 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. 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. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 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. His own father served in the war, too. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. Join now . 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 International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. 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 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. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. The French and five other brave sailors swam for up to eight hours to rescue all but eleven of the crew after they were stranded on the sea. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. While it is great to receive these honors think how much better it would have been to the generations who were denied knowledge and inspiration from a true hero! 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. When bombs sank the. The wording of the letter follows. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Darn guys a stud. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. The United States Navy cook was on board the battleship West Virginia when the boat was attacked during Pearl Harbor despite having no training with the weapon, Miller was able to use an anti-aircraft machine gun to down multiple Japanese planes. 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. Little is known of his earliest days. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. To see this mini-series, click here. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. 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. 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. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. 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. U . He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. He enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and became a mess attendant, one of the few military jobs open to African Americans in the segregated U.S. armed forces of that era. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. 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. Military.com reports; A movement is gaining steam to recognize a heroic Black sailor from World War II, who towed a raftload of wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after their ship was sunk in 1942. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? 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. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. 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. French saved. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. In May 2022, the Navy finally presented French'srelatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his heroics. 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. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. 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. 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). 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. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. {{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? Read the full statement. 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. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! . After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. You must know this HERO Charles Jackson French, Charles Jackson French survived the destruction of the USS Gregory and then swam for hours dragging a life raft full of his shipmates through Shark infested waters. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. We encourage you to share the site on social media. 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. 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. 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. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. 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. "The country did . 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. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 68 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USS Gregory survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. The waters were shark-infested. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . We receive a small royalty without cost to you. 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. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. 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 . Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. 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. 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. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. The ultimate insult! 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. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. The Virginia NAACP is focused on being the preeminent voice of Black Virginians and advocating for policies and programs to benefit Blacks and people of color. Please subscribe to keep reading. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. 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. BZ PO1 French! Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. In this story can be found the heretofore-unwritten chapters of one phase of the Negroes march toward freedom in America, written by a man who participated in it. During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. 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. An American hero who gave his life in service of his country I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten Alwyn. This link, for Womens history Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women should. 1966 and died in 1956 at only 37 years of age are research areas of interest to me without.... Story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Don... 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