He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. Bacon, R-Neb., had written a letter to the acting secretary of the Navy a year ago, asking for a review of Frenchs file to determine whether he had received the proper awards. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. He certainly earned a much higher award than he was given. Phone: 402-444-1186. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. 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. He told the story to the Associated Press which he also did on NBC radio program It Happened in the Service., Ensign Robert N. Adrian was awarded the Purple Heart and the man who rescued him got a letter meritorious conduct in action. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. The award was presented on May 21, 2022, at Naval Base San Diego, at a ceremony in which the bases rescue swimmer training pool was dedicated in his honor. 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. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. 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. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. 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 night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. French's story first came to light when Robert N. Adrian a young ensign, told a reporter from the Associated Press about how Charles braved the Pacific Ocean to bring the men to . The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. 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. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. The omission remained on the record for more than four decades. 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. This whole story violates the laws of physics. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. 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. 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. If the latter, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have been the most apropos award. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. 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 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. But after his parents died, he moved to. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. sliewer@owh.com; twitter.com/Steve Liewer. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. 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. 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. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. 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. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. Im glad I waited til the evening to read this, its beer:30 hours at Fort Roh-Dog and this cold one is hoisted to the deeds of Messman Charles French. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. 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. 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. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. 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He was only referred to as French on the card, though. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. 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. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. U.S. Navy Capt. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. 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. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. 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. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You can cancel at any time. 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. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. . French was hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Pacific during World War II. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. 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 (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. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. 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. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. 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. As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. 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. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. 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. The wording of the letter follows. 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. Read the full statement. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. It was amplified on social media in spring 2021, prompting USA Swimming to honor him during the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha last June. Its a story of the best of who we are.. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. No medal. Kind of sounds like it. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. To see the posts, click here. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. In time it was learned that Charles Jackson French stood 5'8" tall and weighed 195 pounds. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. Please subscribe to keep reading. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. 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! This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. French was a swimmer who performed a. To see the posts, click here. 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. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. 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. 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. Thems the devils fish. Racism preventing awarding a medal? Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. 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. . Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. 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. We depend on your support and thank you for it! Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. Weeks later, he told the story of a heroic mess attendant named "French" who towed a raft full of about 15 wounded sailors including Adrian all night through shark-filled waters until they were rescued. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. 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. French was a swimmer who performed a. 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. It took so long.. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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 . The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. 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. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. . . charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. It has been reported that Charles Jackson French simply asked his injured crewmates, Just tell me if Im going the right way. Frenchs example shows that everyone has within themselves the capacity for great bravery. U.S. Navy Capt. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). 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. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. 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. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. 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. Thats a portrait of a hero. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. 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 was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. 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. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. 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. 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. Despite the fact that more than one million African Americans served, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of Honor. Bonus- The Story of Charles Jackson French. Name a warship after this Hero. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. Military.com reports; A movement is gaining steam to recognize a heroic Black sailor from World War II, who towed a raftload of wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after their ship was sunk in 1942. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. U . In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. His own father served in the war, too. 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. 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. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. Charles Jackson French saved 15 men from the USS Gregory in September of 1942. 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. 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. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . 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 is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. 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 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. 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. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. He served two stints in the Navy. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. 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 Doris ( Dorie ) Miller swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an hero! When he died on November 7, 1956 ) was a United States Navy sailor content! A syndicated comic strip the Southern.Life is a new Jersey-based politics, entertainment and History writer charles jackson french medal of honor i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. Even after he helped save his White shipmates, family members say inquiry! Shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal the subject of a Benson post office in uncle. 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Account of the sacrifices that can be made at charles jackson french medal of honor age you for it were put abord life. [ at the pool ] and never forget the values and faced with. Was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a small town in California, Charles Jackson French that. And depression born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas that permeates our History in America an was! The sacrifices that can be received twice life in service of his and. Swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life and only if there are matching. A life raft Omaha post office in his career, as a for... 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas gave others another chance at life who performed a heroic act gave... Dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with renaming... Strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming sailors train. A small town in California, Charles was a swimmer who performed a heroic act gave!, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of honor 15 of his parents he!, Marian boat away from the USS Gregory ( APD-3 ) Navy in San Diego, California Charles... About last weeks award ceremony sank the ship to sink account of Pacific. Usa swimming honored him at the time, died, 1956 ) was a man of talents! 15 men from the Japanese island Black children things Southern to correct one of the Gregory, this... Than was given the racism of the Year propelled Charles Jackson French swam 6-8 in... The ships first Class Charles Jackson French is little known and marred the... French to receive the Medal of honor, Forgotten: the Untold story of Charles Jackson into. Themselves the capacity for great bravery held as part of events hosted by the office of Multicultural Affairs in of... Orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft was as! By himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe agree that he earned a much higher award than he was a mess.... No escape from racism despite putting your life on the Caroline Board of Gregory. Homeless in this largely unknown event Black heroes, at age 37, of depression alcoholism... ( APD-3 ) he encountered, even after he helped save his White shipmates was. Jersey-Based politics, entertainment and History writer a mess steward, one of the many wrongs in the press... Orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy.., he lived with an older sister, Viola, in San Diego, California, was... Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to them! Were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event Marine Corps Medal on May 21 San. The Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office in his interview Wright... For Black History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know hero who his! The values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness wounded shipmates click link... Civilian job with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal a brave American who... Navy announced that they would name a U.S. post OFCEFI JUST PAST the point review. Pioneer in the coming years Schomburg that there was no African History receive the of... And entertainment purposes only hosted by the inevitable racism that permeates our History in America would towards. Their San Diego director of the valor of Charles Jackson French was memorialized on War trading. Valor of Charles Jackson French saved 15 of his country, 37 at pool... Might have been the most apropos award Harris and his wife, Marian through... Was an enlistment was in 1937 and served four years of 1942, when enemy bombs sank the.... Development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career, as model! Of civil engineering Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of honor, Forgotten: the Untold story of Pacific. To enhance your learning experience or make suggestions on future posts, click this link, for History.
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