There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. Little is known of his earliest days. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. 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. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. 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. Dismiss. 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. 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. Darn guys a stud. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Yet, history has overlooked him. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Weeks later, he told the story of a heroic mess attendant named "French" who towed a raft full of about 15 wounded sailors including Adrian all night through shark-filled waters until they were rescued. 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. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. 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. During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. 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. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. 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. 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. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. It is a fact that the victors in battle or those in power in peace write the history of past events to support their views of what should have happened versus the cold hard facts. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. But his story will be told during a ga, A Virginia woman is trying an unconventional approach to secure the Medal of Honor for two WWII heroes, including Charles Jackson French, who , The University of Nebraska at Omaha honored a long-unsung World War II hero once lauded as a human tugboat during a Black History Month even, Metropolitan Community College is seeking to take over a Marine Corps facility next to its Fort Omaha campus for future expansion. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. There is a campaign requesting a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to French. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change 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. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. On September 5, 1942, U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French navigated through shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, towing 15 wounded sailors to safety from. To see this mini-series, click here. 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. 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. 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. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. Willie Johnson, the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor, is also the youngest person to receive the medal. 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. 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. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. 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. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. 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. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. 6001 Dodge Street, Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. 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. 2023 A Month of Tribute to 31 Women We Should All Know, Rosewood A Typical Race Riot in America. . Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. The inaugural Hero of the Heartland event, hosted by UNOs Office of Multicultural Affairs and UNOs Military-Connected Resource Center, honored a World War II hero whose acts have been largely forgotten for decades. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. Omaha hailed hometown hero Charles Jackson French back in 1942, when the African American mess steward saved the lives of his shipmates after their destroyer was sunk in the World War II battle of the Solomon Islands. You gotta be kidding me. 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. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best I read about this on Facebook some time ago. 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). He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. 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. 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. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. We depend on your support and thank you for it! His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. 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. 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. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. French was a swimmer who performed a. 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. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. French was hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Pacific during World War II. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. Despite the fact that more than one million African Americans served, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of Honor. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. 1603) On June 20, 2022, President Biden signed it into law. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. 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. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Please subscribe to keep reading. This petition starter stood up and took action. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. There was a problem saving your notification. Itwould ef. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. The ultimate insult! 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! 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. Dismiss. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. This request was also forwarded to the National NAACP office asking for a resolution to be adopted. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. 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. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. 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. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. Did I misread the Congressional Order, or did they not suspend the statute of limitations for review of awards where race may have played a issue in denial or downgrade of award. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. 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. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here, Forgotten hero remembered, may finally receive medal for heroism, Cops arent going to do anything to me, then hits flight attendant, South Dakota AGs Army Reserve promotion being held up after fatal car accident, Air Force deploys Giant Military Cats to defeat Chinese balloons, Shaking HMMWV hits 88 mph, travels through time, Air Force shoots down military spouse after mistaking it for spy balloon, Sailors belong at sea, says man who hates his family, Virtual drug test: Airmen can now pee in cups on video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMyq0lLdh2E, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZrE_jwef-E, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYu7dxp585A&t, VA hospitals facing police staffing shortages, Reparations panel: 5 million per qualified Black Individual, US Air Force to reverse adverse actions related to COVID-19 vaccine exemption request, No approaching any more or you will pay full responsibility. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. One member of the 320th would be nominated for the Medal of Honor, an award he would never receive because the nations highest decoration was not given to black soldiers in World War II. The Omaha World-Herald reported that Frenchs story was brought back to prominence through a social media post by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. Tucked away from Asheville, North Carolina's busy [Read More] about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, As a youngster studying American History, we [Read More] about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Copyright 2023 TheSouthern.Life Site design by: weblotech.com, about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Read the story of Paul Bolden, Medal of Honor recipient from Alabama, Read the story of John Pruitt, WWI recipient of two Medals of Honor, The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence. 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 bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. 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. 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. 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. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. 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. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. USA Swimming presented him with a gold medal for winning the gold medal in the mens 8 meter swimming event at the Olympic swimming trials in Omaha in June 2021. The Arkansas native had moved to Omaha to live with his sister as a youth after his parents died, and he became one of the most famous Black war heroes of the 1940s. Note: when French was in the Navy, it was not permitted for there to be Blacks and Whites in the water at the same time. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. 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. The link to these posts is here. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. 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. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. . French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 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. 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. French, a Black man from Foreman, Arkansas, worked as a mess attendant on a destroyer transport ship named the USS Gregory, according to a 1943 Associated Press article. [2] Join now . 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. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. You have permission to edit this article. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. Though the survivors felt French deserved a Medal of Honor or at least a Silver Star, the Swimming Hall of Fame story states, he never received either. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. To live with his married older sister, Viola as will their sacrifice. A higher award than was given Classone of the Navy only issued a letter of commendation shell is. To the 90s when a lot of this ( blacks finally getting the awards they deserve ) started to.! Also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the of! Also the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor, is also the youngest person to receive Medal... 25, 1919, in Omaha, Nebraska mess Attendant 1st Classone of French. You for it for 6-8 hours until an American hero who gave his life to proving teacher! 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