Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. 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. Name a warship after this Hero. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. 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. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. Omahans during World War II knew a strong-swimming, shark-defying, human tugboat of a hero when they saw one, regardless of the color ofCha, An African American sailor from Omaha was hailed as a hero during World War II for swimming through shark-infested waters to rescue his wounde, The full House approved HR 4168 to rename the facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office., The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said identifications of the 92nd Infantry members, known as "Buffalo Soldiers," have beendifficult beca, Lt. Vernon Baker of Clarinda, Iowa, is part of a series of graphic novels about recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nations highest award f, A 36-year Air Force missile and space officer has been nominated as the next commander of Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command, the Pentagon an, Eighty years ago, Nebraska set the pace for the nation in launching a scrap metal drive to support the World War II effort. 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. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. To see the posts, click here. Social media posts over the weekend began highlighting the story of Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French of Foreman, Arkansas, who became a national hero after the destroyer Gregory was sunk Sept. 5, 1942, by Japanese warships near Guadalcanal. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 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. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. 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. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor . For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Please subscribe to keep reading. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. The inaugural Hero of the Heartland event, hosted by UNOs Office of Multicultural Affairs and UNOs Military-Connected Resource Center, honored a World War II hero whose acts have been largely forgotten for decades. . He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. 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. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. 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. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. 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. 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. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. 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. On May 21, 2022, a dedication ceremony for the bases rescue swimmer training pool in Frenchs honor was held at Naval Base San Diego, during which the award was presented. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. Darn guys a stud. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. Willie Johnson, the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor, is also the youngest person to receive the medal. 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. 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. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. 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. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. His own father served in the war, too. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. 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. Its a story of the best of who we are.. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. 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. He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. 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. 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. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. French received a letter of commendation from Admiral Bull Halsey that said; For meritorious conduct in action while serving on board of a destroyer transport which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese forces in the British Solomon Islands on September 5, 1942. 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. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. 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. 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. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. This whole story violates the laws of physics. 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. Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. Little is known of his earliest days. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. 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. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. You have permission to edit this article. BZ PO1 French! He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. Read the full statement. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. 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. 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. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. Sergeant Major Ernest August Janson (August 17, 1878 - May 14, 1930) was a United States Marine who was highly decorated for his heroic actions in World War I. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. 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. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. 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. Thems the devils fish. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. I say MOH. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. Itwould ef. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. 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 mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. 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. 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 enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. 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. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. This button displays the currently selected search type. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. 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. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. He was a powerful swimmer and towed the raft for somewhere between six and eight hours throughout the night, until a landing craft discovered and rescued them. 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. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. French was a swimmer who performed a. 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. 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. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. 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. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. 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. 2023 A Month of Tribute to 31 Women We Should All Know, Rosewood A Typical Race Riot in America. . 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, Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. 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. 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. 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. Continue for more information on the site and posts that may be of interest. {{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? Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. 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. French was hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Pacific during World War II. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. Change.org Uh oh. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. 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. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. There is a campaign requesting a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to French. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. 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. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. ** French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. 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. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. 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. To see the posts, click here. 1 of 5. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Dismiss. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. 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. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. But French said he wasnt afraid. 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. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. 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