Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. 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. . 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. 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. 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. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. 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. Despite the fact that more than one million African Americans served, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of Honor. 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. This sounds horrendous and it was, but it is just one example of the horrors of war that greeted Black soldiers who had risked their lives for their country with the goal of making it an equitable society for all. UNOs Hero of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition of Frenchs heroism. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? [2] This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 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. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. . Nothing of value. 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. Though the survivors felt French deserved a Medal of Honor or at least a Silver Star, the Swimming Hall of Fame story states, he never received either. 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. 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. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. 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. U.S. Navy Capt. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. 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 link to these posts is here. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. But after his parents died, he moved to. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. 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! Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. 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, In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. Change.org Uh oh. 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. 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). The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. I say MOH. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his file. 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. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. As the 10th State Command Chief Master Sergeant of the Virginia Air National Guard, I take great personal pride in supporting French and Millers application for the Medal of Honor. The 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. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Charles Jackson French died in 1956 and is buried in Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. You can cancel at any time. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. 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. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. 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. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. A letter of commendation? Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. 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. 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. The ultimate insult! 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. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. Itwould ef. (H.R. 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 event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Please subscribe to keep reading. Omaha, NE, 68182. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. 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. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. French saved. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. 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. 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. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. 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. French was a swimmer who performed a. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Yet, history has overlooked him. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. 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. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. 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. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. In May 2022, the Navy finally presented French'srelatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his heroics. 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. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. 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. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. 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. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. 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. 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. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. 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. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. 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. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. 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. 1603) On June 20, 2022, President Biden signed it into law. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. . That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. This is a close as you can get to a system of slavery as it is forced on the service member. 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. . 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. 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. 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. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. This post office renaming is important to his family, the community of Omaha, and the state of Nebraska. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. In this story can be found the heretofore-unwritten chapters of one phase of the Negroes march toward freedom in America, written by a man who participated in it. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. He told the story frequently to family and tried for the rest of his life to get Charles Jackson French, the mess attendant, who was from Omaha, the valor award he was denied during the war. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 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. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. 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 Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 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. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. 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. To see the posts, click here. 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 was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. He served two stints in the Navy. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. The waters were shark-infested. 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. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. 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. 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. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. We see many examples of prisoners of war being treated with greater dignity than soldiers wearing American uniforms after suffering injuries, physical, emotional, mental, and even watched death. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. 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. Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. Join now . It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. 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. Racism preventing awarding a medal? 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. This petition starter stood up and took action. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. Later, he went into the service member French did and i dont buy that this cant be combat... Deserve ) started to happen for valor, but he received a Medal after such a courageous act... 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