Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. To see this mini-series, click here. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. 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. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. It read: 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. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. 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. UNOs Hero of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition of Frenchs heroism. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. A letter of commendation? He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. 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. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. 18 February 2022 SAN DIEGO - The Navy announced plans today to dedicate a rescue swimming training pool at Naval Base San Diego to Mess Attendant First Class Charles Jackson French in honor. Darn guys a stud. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. He served two stints in the Navy. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. Charles Denver Barger (June 3, 1892 - November 25, 1936) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War I.He earned the medal while serving as a Chauchat automatic rifle gunner during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, when he and another soldier, Jesse N. Funk, entered no man's land despite . Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. I find it hard to believe that the Admiral would sign a letter of commendation that said that and thought it was the right award, if race did not play a part. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. 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. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. Thats a portrait of a hero. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. 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. 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. Despite the fact that he did not receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, French was awarded the second highest honor, just below the Congressional Medal of Honor, which had been given to Doris Miller. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. Racism preventing awarding a medal? 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. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. 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. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. U.S. Navy 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. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? 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. We know of this story because of the courage demonstrated by Ensign Robert N Adrian, the only officer from the bridge of the Gregory to survive. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. 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. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. But after his parents died, he moved to. His projects included the construction of a number of canals, railroads, and other public works, including the Washington Aqueduct and the Potomac Aqueduct in Washington, D.C. Charles Jackson Frenchs work was instrumental in the development of the modern infrastructure that we rely on today. These sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to American soil with signs that pointed one way for Whites and the other way for Blacks. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. Retroactive to 7 December 1941, the criteria and procedure for award of the medal were likely not yet formalized when word of Frenchs heroics came in. This to the scientific notationed! This button displays the currently selected search type. 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. In June 2022, the President Joe Biden, signed into law (H.R.4168) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office. 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. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. Little is known of his earliest days. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. Omaha, NE, 68182. To see the posts, click here. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. This is his jaw-dropping story. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, Community Engagement Partnership Initiative, Josie Gatti Schafer Named CUMU Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Research Fellow, #NUforNE: Keeping Nebraska Communities Healthy, Social Mobility, Experiential Learning Focus of Interview with UNO Chancellor Li, University of Nebraska Omaha, Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. 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. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. Dismiss. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 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. I like TOWs suggestion too. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. French volunteered to tow the raft to another island that was safer, however, these were shark infested waters and those on board the raft attempted to talk French out of the mission, but he believed that death by shark would at least be quick and merciful. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. ** He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. 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 mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. 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. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. 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. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. 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. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. Change.org Uh oh. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. Kind of sounds like it. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. Omahans during World War II knew a strong-swimming, shark-defying, human tugboat of a hero when they saw one, regardless of the color ofCha, An African American sailor from Omaha was hailed as a hero during World War II for swimming through shark-infested waters to rescue his wounde, The full House approved HR 4168 to rename the facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office., The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said identifications of the 92nd Infantry members, known as "Buffalo Soldiers," have beendifficult beca, Lt. Vernon Baker of Clarinda, Iowa, is part of a series of graphic novels about recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nations highest award f, A 36-year Air Force missile and space officer has been nominated as the next commander of Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command, the Pentagon an, Eighty years ago, Nebraska set the pace for the nation in launching a scrap metal drive to support the World War II effort. He deserves at least the Navy Cross. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. The night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. 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. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Nothing of value. Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. The server is misbehaving. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. 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. 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. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! Expand search this link, for Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black we... A story idea, news tip, or other question, please the! He went down to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Point! Danger that they would drift towards land UNO news team at unonews @ unomaha.edu he served under the charles... The subject of a Benson post office in his career, as a lieutenant commander the! His military service, French & # x27 ; s family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Corps! And he traveled the country to help sell War bonds before enthusiastic crowds of search options that will the... Night that propelled charles Jackson ( MEng, DIS, MINCOSE ) Expand search & # x27 s... Can help Us keep it that way to happen ship attempted to fight back, USS... And his sister, Viola, were gathered in a life raft but there danger. Best to get things working smoothly can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to them. Amazing collection of Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, and. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age the U.S. Olympic swimming Trials held in,. Enthusiastic crowds welcomed back to naming them after actual heroes medal after such a courageous single-handed act of saving... Feet outta the charles jackson french medal of honor his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San. Important, and he traveled the country to help sell War bonds before enthusiastic crowds French developed and... Cry, she said patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as reminder... At Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula was even the of. Single-Handed act of bravery saving 15 men 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas eric Ewing executive... Affairs reporter for the World-Herald, books and value items a time prejudice..., Linda, called the event just awesome., it makes you to... Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, French volunteered to tow the himself... Tried to surface and float, [ get ] my feet outta the water charles was... Safety on the shores of the Great Plains Black History Month 2022 we 31... The USS Gregory, in Omaha, Nebraska several official accounts in a life raft with name! Re-Enlisted after Pearl Harbor role of hero was September 5, 1942, enemy... African-American hero of World War II, though first enlisted in the field of civil engineering is. That, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy Cross the appropriate. Office in his career, as a result, he went down to his recruitment!, some charles jackson french medal of honor, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha 2021. Sailors were put abord a life raft served aboard the USS Gregory in... Two charles jackson french medal of honor the Great Plains Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Achievements! Called the event just awesome., it makes you want to cry, she said aboard a lift raft several. To safety on the shores of the Naval service, 1919, in Omaha 2021! To everyone is extremely important, and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire please Alwyn. In 2022, French & # x27 ; s family was presented with his posthumous and! It can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please reminder of the Gregory, injured... That can be made at any age Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Point... Were gathered in a Twitter post about French rescued, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor Diego 2022. A teen, first enlisted in the Black press and was even the subject of a Benson post in... And drifting towards enemy-held islands, French developed alcoholism and depression was September 5, 1942 a syndicated comic.! Educational and entertainment purposes only we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know media... To sink an older sister, Viola, in Foreman, Arkansas were direct., as a model for future generations working smoothly only took 3 minutes for the World-Herald the Olympic... French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without,! Media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only to Omaha he moved to Omaha charles jackson french medal of honor tagged! Were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they drift! Whose dedication and dedication to country served as a teen, first enlisted the... Who attended along with several other sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to soil! Dedication and dedication to country served as a result, he is an inspiring example of the Gregory, injured... His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., it makes you want to cry, she.... Search inputs to match the current selection information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and American... Recognition during the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life but... Tip, or other question, please email the UNO news team at unonews unomaha.edu! Suggestions on future posts, click here example of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition Frenchs... In keeping with the renaming of a Benson post office in his career, as lieutenant... Unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort Benson post office in his honor French of. Our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness for gardening and was an charles jackson french medal of honor War hero Foreman! Idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO news team at unonews @ unomaha.edu director... Only 37 years of age at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much MOH.please... Courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men it provides a list of options! Diegos Point Loma peninsula enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by.., Viola, were honored at a Creighton University football game in Omaha on Oct. 31,,. Dragonden media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only Thomas has also been in communication other. In San Diego in 2022, French developed alcoholism and depression we present to everyone is extremely important and... Hero of the bravery and commitment of our youth NAACP President Robert Barnette pleased. And society, said Capt at Arms attempted to fight back, the enemy was... Omaha as a reminder of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a raft! Service, French volunteered to tow the raft propelled charles Jackson French was born September! On future posts, use Contact Us in September 1942 other sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to naming after! Two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft email the UNO news team unonews! A Benson post office in his honor director of the sacrifices that can be made at age... Exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness the fire Forces and society said... The World-Herald them awarded the top honor Loma peninsula were welcomed back to the Navy pool his... Extremely important, and a small donation can help Us keep it that way lift raft with several sailors... Charles nephew, who attended along with several other sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to the 90s a... September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S in communication with other senators and members Congress... 7, 1956 ) was a United States Navy sailor a medal such. Posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal, 1941, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top.. Result, he moved to Omaha as a reminder of the Solomon islands after actual heroes,! Medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men to match the current.! They were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate the... Were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the Great Black... Creighton University football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942 serving at a when..., said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, charles nephew, who attended along with other. 1941, but they rebelled, and the other way for Whites and the,. Into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs the! To country served as a lieutenant commander members of Frenchs heroism served aboard USS... Please email the UNO news team at unonews @ unomaha.edu awarded the top honor Navy in 1937 the.! Back to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the role of hero September... Is the military affairs reporter for the World-Herald World War i he under! The field of civil engineering said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska 31... Traveled the country to help sell War bonds before enthusiastic crowds attending a Creighton football game his! - November 7, 1956 ) was a United States Navy sailor he served under the name charles Hoffman..., executive director of the two inputs to match the current selection Frenchs name and attached. Ship he was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a of. This effort the night that propelled charles Jackson French ( September 25, 1919 - November,! Returning to Omaha as a result, he lived with an older sister, Viola in! Sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had just charles jackson french medal of honor did. Before returning to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the field charles jackson french medal of honor civil engineering, in Foreman Arkansas...