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. Research is spotty, Nebraska high school boys basketball state tournament schedule, Medal sought for Black WWII sailor from Omaha lauded as hero, then forgotten, Back in the day, Oct. 30, 1942: Omaha's 'Hero of the Solomon Islands' returns home to honors, Plan to rename Benson post office after Black World War II hero clears House, Offutt lab seeks to identify soldiers who fought and died in segregated unit in WWII, Black WWII Army hero with ties to Boys Town featured in new graphic novel, Air Force Global Strike chief tabbed to be next StratCom leader, Editorial: Nebraskans have a track record of coming together for the common good, Omaha sailor killed in WWII will be added to Memorial Park monument during Vets Day event, Virginia woman seeks Medal of Honor for Black Navy WWII heroes, including Omaha's French, UNO honors Black WWII sailor as 'Hero of the Heartland', Metro CC may take over Marine Corps base at Fort Omaha campus, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, Ukraine will join NATO but in 'long- term', says NATO chief Stoltenberg, Finland begins building fence along Russia border. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. 6001 Dodge Street, Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. U.S. Navy Capt. When bombs sank the. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest award for heroism not in combat and the non-combat equivalent of the Navy Cross, had only been created by executive order a month before Frenchs actions. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. For generations, those of us native to the South have taken great pride in our heritage, our traditions, and in the telling of our stories. 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. He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . Dismiss. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. 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. Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. 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. 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. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. My interest in improving aerodynamic efficiency in airplanes, cars, ships, and energy conversion devices led me to open this blog based on my expertise and desire to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. 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. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. Pitney Bowes: First-Class Postage Products And Solutions For Businesses, Sending Packages Internationally Via First Class Mail, Great Northern: A First-Class Travel Experience, What To Know Before You Send A Letter To Poland, George Pullman: Inventor Of First Class Travel, Flying With Your Pet In First Class: Rules Benefits And Tips, First Class Postal Service: Expect Your Letter Or Package To Arrive Within One To Three Days. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . You can cancel at any time. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. 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. Aside: f*ck sharks. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. Its the kind of narrative that captures your imagination regardless of which side of the aisle you are on., Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia has supported Thomas request. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. 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). French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. He enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and became a mess attendant, one of the few military jobs open to African Americans in the segregated U.S. armed forces of that era. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. These sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to American soil with signs that pointed one way for Whites and the other way for Blacks. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. 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. 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. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. You have permission to edit this article. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. Bill to honor World War II hero Charles Jackson French at Omaha post office signed into law Updated: 6:46 PM CDT Jun 15, 2022 Infinite Scroll Enabled KETV Staff Report Show Transcript. . French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. 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. 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. The French and five other brave sailors swam for up to eight hours to rescue all but eleven of the crew after they were stranded on the sea. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. 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. The ultimate insult! 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. 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. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. 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. . 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. Read the full statement. After the rescued ensign recounted the story to The Associated Press and on the radio, French became nationally known as the Human Tugboat. He received a heros welcome in his sisters hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. To see the posts, click here. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. 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. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. Took the thoughts right outa my head SFC D. And if the shark had of tried to bite this Hero in those big brass ones, the shark woulda broke off a few teeth. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. French was a swimmer who performed a. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. . Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. Its a story of the best of who we are.. Thats a portrait of a hero. 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. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? 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. 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 . Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. 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 Omaha World-Herald reported that Frenchs story was brought back to prominence through a social media post by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. 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, 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. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. Navy Chief of Information Rear Adm. Charles Brown retweeted the post, thanking Nance for highlighting Frenchs heroic story and promising to work with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday to see whether the service could do anything more to recognize the sailor. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. 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. 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. 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. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. Required fields are marked *. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! This button displays the currently selected search type. 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. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. We encourage you to share the site on social media. 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. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? 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. 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. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. 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 Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. 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. 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. 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. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. 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. 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. 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. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. (H.R. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. 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. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. Dismiss. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. USA Swimming presented him with a gold medal for winning the gold medal in the mens 8 meter swimming event at the Olympic swimming trials in Omaha in June 2021. 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 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. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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, This whole story violates the laws of physics. 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 say MOH. Apparently part of the reason that he did not receive an award was that the Navy was reluctant to give him a medal equal or higher to what his ships commander received, and he was killed in the action. 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. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. Kind of sounds like it. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. 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. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. It is the services highest award for noncombat heroism and the same award presented to Lt. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the future U.S. president, for bravery under similar circumstances during World War II. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Nothing of value. 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! In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. You gotta be kidding me. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. 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. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. 1 of 5. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. The server is misbehaving. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. The story of men who served their country when to do so was to endure, or to appear to accept the humiliating admission of ones own inferiority. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. 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. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. We, the undersigned, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to correct this travesty and give Petty Officer French the recognition he deserved for his selfless act of bravery. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. Ghettos like the general public and dove into the Water award, the... 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