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Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. 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's draft registration card. 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. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. 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. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? 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. 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. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French swam through shark-infested waters for hours while towing a raft loaded with 15 of his wounded USS Gregory shipmates. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. 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. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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 had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. 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. The wording of the letter follows. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. 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. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. To see the posts, click here. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . 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. I like TOWs suggestion too. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. 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. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 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. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. Nothing of value. In June 2022, the President Joe Biden, signed into law (H.R.4168) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. His family was presented with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and a swimming pool used for training at the Naval Base San Diego was dedicated in his honor in May 2022. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. 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. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. 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. It read: 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. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. 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. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. Yet, history has overlooked him. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. 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, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. Phone: 402-444-1186. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. 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. French finished a four-year Navy tour in November 1941 and was visiting family in Omaha when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. 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. His own father served in the war, too. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. 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. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. 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. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. 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. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 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. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. 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. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. 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. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 This is a close as you can get to a system of slavery as it is forced on the service member. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. 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. . It took so long.. French saved. To see this mini-series, click here. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. 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. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. Name a warship after this Hero. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. This whole story violates the laws of physics. 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. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. 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. The Navy mess attendant was credited with swimming for several hours through shark-infested waters while towing a lifeboat filled with wounded shipmates, all of whom were White, until they could be rescued. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. ** USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. 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. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. Please subscribe to keep reading. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. More at the source. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. Racism preventing awarding a medal? As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. 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 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. 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. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? 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. Itwould ef. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. sliewer@owh.com; twitter.com/Steve Liewer. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. 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. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. Charles French managed to load fifteen injured crew members onto a life raft and then tied a rope to the raft and secured the other end to his waist, after which he swam for eight hours through shark-infested water until they were rescued, but received no recommendation for the Medal of Honor. (H.R. 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. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. The night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. 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. He told Adrian, Just keep telling me if Im going the right way. Once daylight broke, the raft was spotted by a scout plane, and a landing crew was sent out to rescue them. Virginia State Conference NAACP, Doris (Dorie) Miller, is a Black veteran, who demonstrated such dedication to his duty on December 7, 1941, when his ship was attacked in Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller showed little regard for his safety when he dragged his wounded captain and several shipmates to safety before manning an anti-aircraft gun that he had never been trained to use, and brought down several Japanese planes, but was not recommended for the Medal of Honor. He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. Despite the fact that he did not receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, French was awarded the second highest honor, just below the Congressional Medal of Honor, which had been given to Doris Miller. 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. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. 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 (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. . Did I misread the Congressional Order, or did they not suspend the statute of limitations for review of awards where race may have played a issue in denial or downgrade of award. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. 1603) On June 20, 2022, President Biden signed it into law. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . Yet, history has overlooked him. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. Thems the devils fish. The nation's hierarchy denied French the Medal of Honor and did not consider him for a Silver Star, two of the highest honors bestowed for such self-sacrificing bravery. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. There was a problem saving your notification. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Join now . 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. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. 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. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. Was celebrated at the finals of the 2021 swim Trials in June Medal of charles jackson french medal of honor for his heroism in.. News tip, or other question, please email the UNO news team at unonews @ unomaha.edu when is service. Served as a mess attendant hometown of Omaha, Nebraska myself when one of the Heartland event the stage hundreds. Uncle 's honor are featured on easels in front of the Navy is finally catching up when Japanese! 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