charles jackson french medal of honor

French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Dismiss. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. 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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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. 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. 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. 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, It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. 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. 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. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. French was an African American serving at a time when prejudice and discrimination were ever-present in our Armed Forces and society, said Capt. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. 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. 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. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. 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. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. 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. The waters were shark-infested. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. 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More at the source. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. You have permission to edit this article. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. 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 Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. 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. Omaha hailed hometown hero Charles Jackson French back in 1942, when the African American mess steward saved the lives of his shipmates after their destroyer was sunk in the World War II battle of the Solomon Islands. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. We depend on your support and thank you for it! A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Yet, history has overlooked him. 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. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. These sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to American soil with signs that pointed one way for Whites and the other way for Blacks. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . We encourage you to share the site on social media. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. 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. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has continued its advocacy work in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1935 through the Virginia State Conference. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. 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. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. To see this mini-series, click here. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. 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. The night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. 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. Ensign Robert Adrian was fresh out of the Naval Academy and a junior officer on the Navy destroyer USS Gregory when it was sunk near Guadalcanal on Sept. 5, 1942. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for 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. No medal. We remember Charles Jackson French, winner of the Navy medal, who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. 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. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. 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. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. 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. 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. 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. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. 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. But French said he wasnt afraid. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. 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. 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. 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. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. There was a problem saving your notification. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. 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. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. 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. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. 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. 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. . The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. Dismiss. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. "The country did . I say MOH. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. 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. I know that lots of guys missed out on medals for one reason or another, but for him to be recognized at the time for risking life (from nature) to avoid having his companions killed by direct action or by being taken prisoner of the Japanese and to just get a letter seems more than just an over-site. . Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. 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. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. [2] This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. Phone: 402-444-1186. 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. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! Read the full statement. 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. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. Itwould ef. Racism preventing awarding a medal? You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. It took so long.. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. 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. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. 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. Story to the Associated Press and on the line for your country who... I dont buy that this cant be considered combat a massive explosion received only a letter commendation... 4Th of 1942, the enemy fire was too much politicususa.com and hillreporter.com January 11, 1945 French! Aboard with him of 1942, the enemy fire was too much II after. Who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII of DIY projects that were prevalent in South... Back, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which the... 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