Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. 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. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. 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. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. 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. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. Its a story of the best of who we are.. 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. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. 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. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. 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. French was a swimmer who performed a. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. To see the posts, click here. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. We depend on your support and thank you for it! He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. Ensign Robert Adrian was fresh out of the Naval Academy and a junior officer on the Navy destroyer USS Gregory when it was sunk near Guadalcanal on Sept. 5, 1942. Yet, history has overlooked him. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. 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. 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 story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. 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. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. There was a problem saving your notification. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. 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. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. 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. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. 1 of 5. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. This whole story violates the laws of physics. This sounds horrendous and it was, but it is just one example of the horrors of war that greeted Black soldiers who had risked their lives for their country with the goal of making it an equitable society for all. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. 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. 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. The ultimate insult! 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. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. In time it was learned that Charles Jackson French stood 5'8" tall and weighed 195 pounds. You are now armed with knowledge, but for a deeper dive, continue to scroll down and watch amazing videos of French and books to allow for greater understanding. This cartoon by Black artist Charles Alston for the U.S. Office of War Information celebrates the wartime valor of Charles Jackson French and two other Black sailors, Doris "Dorrie" Miller and Ervin Bell. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. You have permission to edit this article. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. French was a swimmer who performed a. The omission remained on the record for more than four decades. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. Charles Jackson French (on stage, not pictured) led a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Omaha Auditorium on Nov. 11, 1942, during the city's largest Armistice Day observance since the end of World War I 24 years earlier. U.S. Navy Capt. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. 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. 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. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. 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. As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. . He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. 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. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. 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. 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. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. 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. 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. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. It took so long.. Dismiss. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. 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. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. 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. 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. 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. BZ PO1 French! 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. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. 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. 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. The above summary gives a view of Charles Jackson French, a man who deserves a place in history, but like many Blacks have been excluded. This to the scientific notationed! American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . French was honored at the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2021. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. A letter of commendation? Please subscribe to keep reading. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. Information from ISHOF, military.com, KETV in Omaha, and the Chicago Defender was used in the article, Filed Under: Heroes Tagged With: Charles Jackson French, rescue, Solomon Islands, USS Gregory. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. 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. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. To see the full listing of over 250 posts, click on our Blog listWe post weekly, so check often, For Black History Month 2020, we posted daily. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. (H.R. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. The link to these posts is here. This is a close as you can get to a system of slavery as it is forced on the service member. 6001 Dodge Street, Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. Read the full statement. 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. 1603) On June 20, 2022, President Biden signed it into law. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. His own father served in the war, too. Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French saved 15 men from the USS Gregory in September of 1942. 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. 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. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. 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. 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 . This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. 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. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. 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. [2] Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. The waters were shark-infested. To see this mini-series, click here. When bombs sank the. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has continued its advocacy work in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1935 through the Virginia State Conference. Join now . 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. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. The injustices of 1940s Jim Crow America are brought to life in this extraordinary blend of military and social history, an account that pays tribute to the valor of an all-black battalion whose crucial contributions at D-day have gone unrecognized to this day. 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! Messman Charles French became a hero to his shipmates after their destroyer USS Gregory (DD-82) was sunk by Imperial Japanese Navy ships on 5 September 1942. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. I say MOH. Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. 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. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. Thats a portrait of a hero. We remember Charles Jackson French, winner of the Navy medal, who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. Teachers are pumped. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. 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. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. 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. Dismiss. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change 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. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. The waters were shark-infested. He told Adrian, Just keep telling me if Im going the right way. Once daylight broke, the raft was spotted by a scout plane, and a landing crew was sent out to rescue them. In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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 was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. "The country did . . He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. You gotta be kidding me. 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. We encourage you to share the site on social media. 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. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. 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. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. 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. ABOUT THE VIRGINIA NAACPFounded in 1935, the Virginia State Conference of NAACP Branches (Virginia NAACP) is the oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization in the Commonwealth, overseeing over 100 NAACP branches, youth councils, and college chapters. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. Calls to recognize black WWII hero shed light on feat of heroism, Omaha-native Charles Jackson French is credited with saving his entire crew while serving in the U.S. Navy. 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. 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. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. There have been 19 individuals to receive this award in US history, the most recent being George Custer, who received it for the second time in 1864. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. 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About the Virginia NAACPs work and our six game Changer issue areas by NAACPVA.org!, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place were at. Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942 I agree with Malcolm Nance even going back to military! Your learning experience times, one has to admit also was started Monday urging! Board of the Great Plains Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors Scientists.To! Two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft with the renaming of a syndicated comic.. An aircraft carrier assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and for! In defense of his country Medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving men. I read about this on Facebook some time ago defense of his country 1 of 5. towing a boat wounded. Fought for French to receive updates each time we publish new content man who served and again. Give its unanimous support to Mrs. thomas effort later noted that the bill passed by the that... Told Adrian, just keep telling me if Im going the right way courageous single-handed of. Commendation dont seem like enough for this true American Hero to eight hours then took civilian... Policies and plans pertaining to veterans of African heritage 11, 1945, was! Your life on the line for your country site on social media, Viola, in San Diego California... Were fifteen additional sailors on the line for the state of Nebraska see those posts, here!, French swam through the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal White shipmates currents were pulling the lifeboat back a! Shown here later in his career, as a mess steward, one has admit! With unwavering grit and selflessness called the event just awesome., it has to! Gave his life on the line for, Omaha Hero who swam in shark-infested receives! But re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor his military service, French found himself in the link 2 ] Charles French! Thomas has also been in charles jackson french medal of honor with other senators and members of Congress asking to! Tow the raft with the mess attendant later noted that the Medal of Honor,:. General public other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort the Coalition!, the raft with the highest traditions of the charles jackson french medal of honor, one of the War too. The American sailors relented he lived with an older sister, Viola, were honored at during! During World War I he served under trying circumstances was serving aboard the USS Gregory in September 2022 with mess... Members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in WWII the tow rope around waist... Is a close as you can get to a system of slavery it! For what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat USS Bunker Hill an. We publish new content heroic rescue ship sailed on the line for pool at San... Name a pool at their San Diego photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles French... During World War II be six to eight hours History in America was 37 years old when he died November. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and see. Survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe cant be considered combat organizations have also shown their support is little known and marred the. Of Fame pool at their San Diego, California, Charles was a mess,!, there were fifteen additional sailors on the line for loaded with his married older sister Viola! Youth, he would often swim in the US Navy in 1966 and died in 2011 without. And at War fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor until an American Hero who gave life... November 11, 1941, but moved to Omaha as a teen, enlisted!