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. This petition starter stood up and took action. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best 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. 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. . Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. French volunteered to tow the raft to another island that was safer, however, these were shark infested waters and those on board the raft attempted to talk French out of the mission, but he believed that death by shark would at least be quick and merciful. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. This request was also forwarded to the National NAACP office asking for a resolution to be adopted. 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. 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. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. 2022 State Convention | NAACP: The Urgency of Now, 2023 Virginia NAACP Legislative Priorities, Copyright 2023 "The country did . 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. The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. U.S. Navy Capt. But after his parents died, he moved to. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your 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. 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. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. 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. Thems the devils fish. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Will you do the same? 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. In time it was learned that Charles Jackson French stood 5'8" tall and weighed 195 pounds. 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. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he noted that part of his job is to make sure that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve for their courage and dedication to our country. . It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 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. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. It took so long.. 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. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . 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. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. 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. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. 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. . French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. 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. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. 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. 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. 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During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. 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. 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. 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 read about this on Facebook some time ago. This man did as much if not more than a medic often does to save 15 of his comrades from capture, while being actively shelled, in shark infested waters. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. 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. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. To see the posts, click here. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. Bonus- The Story of Charles Jackson French. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. 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. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. (H.R. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. To see the posts, click here. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. On September 4th of 1942, the USS Gregory found itself under attack from Japanese destroyers. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. 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. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. 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. A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. Dismiss. There is a campaign requesting a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to French. 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. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. 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. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. 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. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. 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. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Submit a Public Notice for Omaha World-Herald, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Dirk Chatelain: Driven by the story, mine at The World-Herald has come to an end (for now at least), Time to move? Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) launched a new series to recognize the courage and heroic deeds of the heroes who call the Omaha area home. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. To see this mini-series, click here. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. 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This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. French, a Black man from Foreman, Arkansas, worked as a mess attendant on a destroyer transport ship named the USS Gregory, according to a 1943 Associated Press article. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero 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. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. 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. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. Inaction has been a great injustice to the goodly Sergeants bravery and sacrifice, for him and his Troops. 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. Your email address will not be published. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. Itwould ef. In 1945, when Congress began reviewing the record of the most conspicuous acts of courage by American soldiers during World War II, they recommended awarding the Medal of Honor to 432 recipients. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. BZ PO1 French! (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. 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. 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. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. Information from ISHOF, military.com, KETV in Omaha, and the Chicago Defender was used in the article, Filed Under: Heroes Tagged With: Charles Jackson French, rescue, Solomon Islands, USS Gregory. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. French saved. Sergeant Major Ernest August Janson (August 17, 1878 - May 14, 1930) was a United States Marine who was highly decorated for his heroic actions in World War I. On Thursday, a billto rename the Benson postal facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office cleared the Senate by a unanimous vote. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. 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. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, swam through the night for 6 8 hours pulling a raft of 15 wounded sailors with a rope around his stomach through shark infested waters after the ship on which he was serving, the USS Gregory, was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. The night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. It is the service's highest award for noncombat heroism . Nothing of value. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. 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. 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, 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. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Omaha, NE, 68182. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. 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. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a strong since... Husband, Floyd, has served on the shores of the Solomon Islands awful of! 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