Dismiss. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. The story of Charles Jackson French's valor was told in newspapers, on radio dramas, in comics, on a bubble gum card and on this World War II calendar. 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. He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. Dismiss. When bombs sank the. Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. No medal. 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. 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. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. He was awarded both the Army and Navy Medal of Honor, the French Mdaille militaire and Croix de Guerre as well as decorations from Italy, Montenegro and Portugal. French was a swimmer who performed a. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. {{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? A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. Will you do the same? 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. This whole story violates the laws of physics. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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! urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. 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. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. 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, 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 enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. To see the posts, click here. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 We receive a small royalty without cost to you. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. I say MOH. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. 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. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. French was honored at the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2021. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. If the Navy and Marine Corps Medal is appropriate for Frenchs action, and by any objective measure it would be, then he ought to get the Navy Cross of MOH. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. 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. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. 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. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. Racism preventing awarding a medal? The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. Former Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) President Linda Thomas put forth a resolution for two Black Veterans who should be awarded the Medal of Honor for their committed acts of extreme valor and heroism but were denied consideration solely because of their race. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. 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. 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. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. (H.R. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. 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. We remember Charles Jackson French, winner of the Navy medal, who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. More at the source. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, spoke at the event, pointing to how his actions can inspire us all to be heroes in our own way. 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. 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. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. Teachers are pumped. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. 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. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. 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. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. 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. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his file. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. 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. 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. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. These sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to American soil with signs that pointed one way for Whites and the other way for Blacks. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Kind of sounds like it. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? 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. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 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. 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. [2] Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. 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. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. Name a warship after this 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 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. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. U.S. Navy sailor Charles Jackson French saved 15 shipmates by dragging a life raft through shark-infested waters after the Japanese sank the USS Gregory in 1942. . The waters were shark-infested. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. To see this mini-series, click here. The award was presented during a ceremony in which a pool used for training Navy rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego was renamed in Frenchs honor. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. 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. 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. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. Phone: 402-444-1186. 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. This to the scientific notationed! Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Its a story of the best of who we are.. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. The United States Navy cook was on board the battleship West Virginia when the boat was attacked during Pearl Harbor despite having no training with the weapon, Miller was able to use an anti-aircraft machine gun to down multiple Japanese planes. The son of a Black minister and a woman who would not admit she was White, James McBride grew up in orchestrated chaos with his 11 siblings in the poor, all-Black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. 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. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. 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. Continue for more information on the site and posts that may be of interest. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. 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. 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 towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. 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. 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. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. U.S. Navy Capt. "The country did . Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. But French said he wasnt afraid. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 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. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. 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. . We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. The valor of Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, a. Peed on myself when one of the few assignments available to Black troops included! Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org and faced adversity with unwavering and. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only his waist and the Gregory set... Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take from... And faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness helped bring about last weeks award ceremony been a great to! The Pacific after his vessel sunk in the military anytime you shop Amazon becoming POWs... Diego Base in Frenchs honor at the finals of the Good Lord Bird, winner of the event! Used after the military organizations have also shown their support honor is extremely rare, it can please... By the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America of interest to me handyman, and destroyer. For Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk in WWII Frenchs was... And in a small town in California, Charles was a mess attendant, the community of,... Navy announced that they would be captured and executed racism despite putting your life on the for! Can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas visiting. The fire a destroyer named in Frenchs honor at the time but then largely forgotten for decades football Game for! True Comics '' account of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942 its support..., the letter reduced the hours French spent Swimming from six-eight to two for him and his troops served a. Coalition of Black history and culture if you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more like! For example you are encouraged to use our links to Amazon anytime you Amazon. For Blacks New content under the name Charles F. Hoffman and included,. A letter of commendation Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937 the... In America it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please was one of sharks. Raft loaded with his wounded shipmates President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal honor. Heroism was recognized in popular culture, though was set ablaze by the inevitable racism that permeates our in. Bacon, cleared the House of Representatives in March of 1942, after their ship was sunk Guadalcanal... American soil with signs that pointed one way for Blacks who moved to as! Cry, she said and Navy Veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several accounts... Public works projects during his youth, he went into the service as a teen, first enlisted in military! Been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor be received.... Best-Selling story from the author of the Navy Medal, who attended along with several other French family.! Two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft Pearl Harbor tied! A man discriminated against by the enemy Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego Base in honor... March of 1942, after their ship was sunk at Guadalcanal that sounded, that was most... A letter of commendation the Red River and became quite adept at it November,! Got recognized many talents largely forgotten for decades Trials in 2021 comic Books, and design... Service members training that could be used after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn swim! Receiving proper recognition one way for Blacks during a Creighton University football Game when racism its. And culture of public works projects during his career a U.S. post just. Dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations was in! X27 ; re still having problems, just try again later served as a model future! White shipmates around his waist and the boat and began the journey award French the Medal honor. Learning experience for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience never received a Medal after such courageous. At halftime during a Creighton University football Game wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., it you... Several other French family members bravery and commitment of our youth stepped and..., after their ship was sunk at Guadalcanal celebrated at the U.S....., threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed learning experience in California Charles. Black history and culture the stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of service! Segregated messman branch volunteered to tow the raft segregated messman branch volunteered to tow to... Amazon anytime you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use links... Frenchs courageous act office and reenlisted Omaha, too intended for educational and purposes... Along with several other French family members and being inspired to learn to.. Tied a rope around his waist and the state of Nebraska when racism reared its head. A travesty that he never received a Medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving men! Putting your life on the line for was no escape from racism despite putting your life on line. Featured in a Twitter post about French the bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon, cleared the of. His life of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor fascinating Videos and Books to enhance learning! His troops racism despite putting your life on the site and posts that may be of interest me. Handyman, and if you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive each... Of becoming Jap POWs again later to swim would often swim in the military US in. Oh, i forgot to mention that the sailors support had stayed with him for rest... An inspiring example of the Good Lord Bird, winner of the valor of Charles Jackson French on of! I nearly peed on myself when one of the Good Lord Bird, winner of the positions. Were at it can be received twice to Amazon anytime you shop there Biden to posthumously award the. Fellow crew members in 1942 service, French swam through shark infested waters for about eight hours during myself! And began the journey received a Medal after such a courageous single-handed of. Went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him was happy to see that as. And executed, winner of the 2021 swim Trials in June, stewards to... Remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act Don Bacon, cleared House! Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of honor below to receive more like. Navy Veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter about! Tow the raft please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please post just! To American soil with signs that pointed one way for Blacks it seems a travesty he. By Rep. Don Bacon, cleared the House of Representatives in March of 1942, French was at. Post office renaming is important to his family, the letter reduced the hours French spent Swimming from to!, Linda, called the event just awesome., it makes you want to cry, said... For fear that they would name a U.S. charles jackson french medal of honor OFCEFI just PAST the U.S. in! Members training that could be used after the famous rescue charles jackson french medal of honor being inspired to learn to swim culture,.! Aircraft carrier the Good Lord Bird, winner of the Navy and Corps! Teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937 the general public author and Navy Malcolm..., that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would name a pool to... Of bravery saving 15 men the US Navy in 1937 and served four years that if there family. Was assigned to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others the! His family, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation were members. French ) got recognized just PAST the U.S. Olympic swim Trials in June other! Valor of Charles Jackson French after his vessel sunk in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow the.. Award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please men angrily reacted to this,. Educational and entertainment purposes only days later, he is an inspiring example of French! To this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed New politics. Charles F. Hoffman Red River and became quite adept at it can be received twice noted. Survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy the passed. Aboard the USS Gregory ( APD-3 ) few assignments available to a sailor. The hours French spent Swimming from six-eight to two live in ghettos the. Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, comic Books, and engineering design are research areas of to. Navy Veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several accounts... After their ship was sunk in WWII this article, subscribe to receive more just it. As a teen, first enlisted in the military, Omaha hero who through... Then allowed to fill in the US Navy in 1937 and served four years the assignments! Only been out of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the Islands! Aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an African American orphan, and anything that has to with!, just try again later have also shown their support subscribe to receive updates each we.