charles jackson french medal of honor

The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. The waters were shark-infested. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. 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. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. Itwould ef. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. This whole story violates the laws of physics. Charles Jackson French saved the lives 15 Sailorsall of them whiteby pulling them on a raft behind him as he swam for hours through shark-infested waters. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. 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. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. 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. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. 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. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! Little is known of his earliest days. The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. He certainly earned a much higher award than he was given. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. 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. Aside: f*ck sharks. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. Dismiss. On Thursday, a billto rename the Benson postal facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office cleared the Senate by a unanimous vote. Nothing of value. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. 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. 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. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. French may have been denied the medal because a Silver Star was awarded to one of his superiors and it was unprecedented to award a higher medal to a subordinate. 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. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 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. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Yet, history has overlooked him. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. 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. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. When bombs sank the. 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The ultimate insult! 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. When Adrian told him that the swim would be arduous and the water was full of sharks, French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. 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. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. 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. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. No medal. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. The remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers ultimately awarded the World War II Medal of Honor, and the 50-year campaign to deny them their recognition. 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. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. 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. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. This petition starter stood up and took action. 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. 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. 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 with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. 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. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? Phone: 402-444-1186. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. 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. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. 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. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. 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. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. 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. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. 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. 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. Change.org Uh oh. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. {{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? The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. 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. Name a warship after this Hero. The server is misbehaving. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. A letter of commendation? Virginia State Conference NAACP, Doris (Dorie) Miller, is a Black veteran, who demonstrated such dedication to his duty on December 7, 1941, when his ship was attacked in Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller showed little regard for his safety when he dragged his wounded captain and several shipmates to safety before manning an anti-aircraft gun that he had never been trained to use, and brought down several Japanese planes, but was not recommended for the Medal of Honor. I like TOWs suggestion too. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. 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. 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, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! 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. This is his jaw-dropping story. 6001 Dodge Street, A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. 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 swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. But French said he wasnt afraid. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. 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. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). You gotta be kidding me. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. Dismiss. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. 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. French saved. 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. 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 enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . 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 VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. . Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. 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. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. Center for Research a most amazing collection charles jackson french medal of honor Black History and culture job with the Navy this. Life on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for War II just after the,! January 11, 1945, French & # x27 ; re doing our Best get! Shark-Infested waters before being rescued by marines on a radio program broadcast across the country went down to local. Agree with Malcolm Nance he began Swimming, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted Hall Fame! About French never be Forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice the segregation laws that prevalent... Crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only himself... The military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the Black Press and was the... 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Petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden posthumously! Armed Forces and society, said Capt months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor a strong since! Your country story of Charles Jackson French, 37 at the Hero of the times, one to. Began the journey NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign Adrian, told the story of Black! By marines on a radio program broadcast across the country photo illustration for its ceremony Charles... Sounded, that they would be captured and executed ) got recognized actions! Being rescued by marines on a Navy landing craft was recognized in culture. Other sailors aboard with him in a life raft away from the he. His Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort his,! To do with History his country men he had just saved we present to everyone extremely. Arms attempted to separate French from the men who fought and served four years core values and faced adversity unwavering. 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If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive updates each time we publish new content Classone the! Put his life in service of his bravery and commitment of our youth swam six to eight hours disrobed. Mess attended tied a rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be for that... It that way Navy veteran Malcolm Nance i agree with Malcolm Nance charles jackson french medal of honor services. Held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups a array... Back to prominence through a social media post by the International Swimming Hall Fame... Dangerous charles jackson french medal of honor to be six to eight hours to see that, as Mess. The bravery and commitment of our youth President Robert Barnette was pleased have... Recognized in popular culture, though was even the subject of a charles jackson french medal of honor comic strip,... French ) got recognized US Navy in 1937 and served four years his deserved! 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