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. French was honored at the U.S. Olympic swim trials in 2021. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. 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. Little is known of his earliest days. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? He served two stints in the Navy. I say MOH. You must know this HERO Charles Jackson French, Charles Jackson French survived the destruction of the USS Gregory and then swam for hours dragging a life raft full of his shipmates through Shark infested waters. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. 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Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. 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. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. A pool used to train rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego also was named in Frenchs honor at the ceremony. 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. Required fields are marked *. The remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers ultimately awarded the World War II Medal of Honor, and the 50-year campaign to deny them their recognition. 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. French saved. Dismiss. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. 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. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. For generations, those of us native to the South have taken great pride in our heritage, our traditions, and in the telling of our stories. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. Tucked away from Asheville, North Carolina's busy [Read More] about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, As a youngster studying American History, we [Read More] about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Copyright 2023 TheSouthern.Life Site design by: weblotech.com, about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Read the story of Paul Bolden, Medal of Honor recipient from Alabama, Read the story of John Pruitt, WWI recipient of two Medals of Honor, The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. 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. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. 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. 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 will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Aside: f*ck sharks. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Join now . This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? Itwould ef. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. 6001 Dodge Street, UNOs Hero of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition of Frenchs heroism. 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. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. 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 mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. 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. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. More at the source. I like TOWs suggestion too. 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. 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. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. 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. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. But French said he wasnt afraid. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. 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. This request was also forwarded to the National NAACP office asking for a resolution to be adopted. The wording of the letter follows. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. You can cancel at any time. 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. 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 (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. U . 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. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. 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. 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 Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Darn guys a stud. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. Yet, history has overlooked him. 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. 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. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. French was a swimmer who performed a. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. No medal. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 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. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. 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. 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. Change.org Uh oh. 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. BZ PO1 French! 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. Thems the devils fish. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. 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. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. The server is misbehaving. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. 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 . It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. 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. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in 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. 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. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. This to the scientific notationed! Despite the fact that more than one million African Americans served, not a single Black soldier received the Medal of Honor. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. When bombs sank the. 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. I nearly peed on myself when one of them sharks [touched] my feet. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. 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. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. It is a fact that the victors in battle or those in power in peace write the history of past events to support their views of what should have happened versus the cold hard facts. 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. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. 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. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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! Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. 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 . 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. 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. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. 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. . For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. 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. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. 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. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. 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 was hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Pacific during World War II. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. We encourage you to share the site on social media. 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 is what makes America great. 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. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. 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. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. 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. Dismiss. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. From left are Navy public affairs officer Krishna Jackson, Samuel Harris, Chester French Jr., Michael Harris, Linda French, Christopher Harris, Roscoe Harris, Christopher Harris Jr., Mark Harris and Capt. 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. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. Willie Johnson, the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor, is also the youngest person to receive the medal. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. 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. His story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. 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