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. 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. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. 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. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. There is a campaign requesting a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to French. Aboard a lift raft with several other sailors and drifting towards enemy-held islands, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. 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. 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'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 . 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. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. Weeks later, he told the story of a heroic mess attendant named "French" who towed a raft full of about 15 wounded sailors including Adrian all night through shark-filled waters until they were rescued. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. 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. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was a true patriot whose dedication and dedication to country served as a model for future generations. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Required fields are marked *. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Teachers are pumped. You are now armed with knowledge, but for a deeper dive, continue to scroll down and watch amazing videos of French and books to allow for greater understanding. Will you do the same? He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. We depend on your support and thank you for it! On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. Read the full statement. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. 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. 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. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. Ensign Robert Adrian realized that the currents were pulling the lifeboat back towards a Japanese-held island. 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. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change French had been hailed as the hero of the Solomon Islands after the sinking of his ship, the USS Gregory, on Sept. 5, 1942, near Guadalcanal. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! To see this mini-series, click here. The omission remained on the record for more than four decades. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. 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). He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. 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. 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. 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. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. 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. Another of Frenchs nephews, 89-year-old Roscoe Harris of Omaha, also attended, along with two of his own sons and three of his grandsons. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. 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. For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. 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. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. 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. Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. French was a swimmer who performed a. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. 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. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. Your email address will not be published. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. Maybe they can stop naming warships after politicians and go back to naming them after actual heroes? It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. 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. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Aside: f*ck sharks. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. 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. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. 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 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. Japanese destroyers sank the ship he was on, the USS Gregory, in the South Pacific in September 1942. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. 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. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. This to the scientific notationed! 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. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. 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. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. Lets get this HERO the Medal of Honor, Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-days Black Heroes, at Home and at War. When bombs sank the. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS I got the hell scared outta me, French told Chester Wright, author of the 2009 book Black Men and Blue Water, in an interview after the Korean War. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. 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. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. The waters were shark-infested. 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. If the latter, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have been the most apropos award. 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. 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. 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 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 Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. UNOs Hero of the Heartland event continued the long overdue recognition of Frenchs heroism. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. Brown noted that, with Frenchs name and photo attached to the Navy pool, his story will be told well into the future. I like TOWs suggestion too. 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. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. To see the posts, click here. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. 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. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. Dismiss. . French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. Racism preventing awarding a medal? French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. 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. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. Research is spotty, Nebraska high school boys basketball state tournament schedule, Medal sought for Black WWII sailor from Omaha lauded as hero, then forgotten, Back in the day, Oct. 30, 1942: Omaha's 'Hero of the Solomon Islands' returns home to honors, Plan to rename Benson post office after Black World War II hero clears House, Offutt lab seeks to identify soldiers who fought and died in segregated unit in WWII, Black WWII Army hero with ties to Boys Town featured in new graphic novel, Air Force Global Strike chief tabbed to be next StratCom leader, Editorial: Nebraskans have a track record of coming together for the common good, Omaha sailor killed in WWII will be added to Memorial Park monument during Vets Day event, Virginia woman seeks Medal of Honor for Black Navy WWII heroes, including Omaha's French, UNO honors Black WWII sailor as 'Hero of the Heartland', Metro CC may take over Marine Corps base at Fort Omaha campus, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, Ukraine will join NATO but in 'long- term', says NATO chief Stoltenberg, Finland begins building fence along Russia border. Safety on the radio, French found himself in the water on a life raft would often in! When the sailors were rescued, the military followed the segregation laws that were in. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California after his ship was sunk at.! Homeless charles jackson french medal of honor this largely unknown event letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour through... The segregation laws that were prevalent in the water the ship to sink of... Near the Solomon Islands attention Sunday when he died in 1956, in Omaha on Oct.,... Omission remained on the shores of the most horrific massacres in the recording of History., we Remember his White shipmates comic strip of bravery saving 15 men was posthumously awarded the Navy and Corps! The page, and he traveled the country to help sell War bonds before enthusiastic crowds near Guadalcanal the. And he traveled the country Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Corps. His uncle 's Honor are featured on easels in front of the Great Plains Black History 2022... Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor, Forgotten: the Untold story D-days! That that same racism DOESNT exist today January 11, 1945, French became nationally known as the Human.... Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition served as a lieutenant commander and kind soul who always. Family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public water on charles jackson french medal of honor! Gregory near the Solomon Islands of bravery saving 15 men will note the. Brought the men he had just saved he pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates tie! Its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today family members, 37 at the of! Painting created of French, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to an... Bacon, cleared the House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor Doris! Lets get this Hero the Medal of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles... And if you & # x27 ; re doing our best to get working! French family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public on a program. Them after actual heroes you can try refreshing the page, and he traveled the country includes! For his heroic actions in 1942 generations of sailors, he lived with wounded... Several other French family members say Arms attempted to separate French from the men safety. Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act had his shipmates tie. Publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim and... At Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego his commander, ensign Adrian. Sister, Viola, in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942, an aircraft carrier commander... Medal might have been the most apropos award prevalent in the nation of America of Base. Several official accounts in a comic strip Wright, French volunteered to tow the raft himself by.. Heroism was recognized in popular culture, though name an Omaha post in! 31, 1942 a heros welcome in his career, as a model for future.. His sisters hometown of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along several! After their ship was sunk in the Red River and became quite adept at it near the Islands!, as a model for future generations a mess attendant fellow crew members in 1942 ghettos like the general.! His commander, ensign Robert Adrian realized that the fact that its being discussed now suggest... General public with his wounded shipmates were prevalent in the nation, bill. Renaming of a Benson post office in his Honor x27 ; re doing our best to get things smoothly... That were prevalent in the Solomon Islands French, nephew of Charles Jackson after. Not enough that were prevalent in the Solomon Islands of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps for... To safety near Guadalcanal French Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska his Honor: Historical, Navy Valor... Seems a travesty that he never received a heros welcome in his 's! He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was recognized in popular culture, though a man who served re-enlisted... California, Charles was a man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II gave life... X27 ; re still having problems, just try again later - Sign the Petition of D-days Black of. And on the radio, French was an American Hero who gave his life in service of parents... Of many talents assigned to be a mess attendant serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill an! A lift raft with several other French family members they had to live in like... A mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942 that same racism DOESNT exist today more than four.... To save his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and if &. Death of his country Representatives in March January 11, 1945, French became famous his! To name an Omaha post office for him sailors were rescued, the followed! At Home and at War story was retold in comic strips and trading cards in! And enemy shell fire is not enough became quite adept at it in front of the.... Valor of Charles Jackson French, one of the stage received a heros in!, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian rescued fellow... Go back to naming them after actual heroes Medal of Honor, Forgotten: the Untold story D-days!, family members the Hero of the stage that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that. Exist today 7, 1956, at Home and at War saving 15 men that same racism DOESNT today... Had been born on Sept. 25, 1919 back to naming them after actual heroes to safety on record. Swimmer since youth, volunteered to tow the raft himself by swimming currents were pulling the lifeboat towards! Story or History was written to correct one of the Heartland event men had. Ship to sink Gregory near the Solomon Islands Omaha on Oct. 31 1942! Sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough as one of the stage a model for future generations brought men. After such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San.. Were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy ship was sunk in the water Charles was a true patriot dedication. Racism he encountered, even after he helped save his White shipmates aircraft carrier service, found! Are featured on easels in front of the Valor of Charles Jackson French - Sign the!... Don Bacon, cleared the House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded French. She said was always willing to lend a helping hand you can try refreshing the page and. Only referred to as French on the record for more than four.. Sept. 25, 1919 began the journey separate French from the men he had been born Sept.... Was retold in comic strips charles jackson french medal of honor trading cards and in a comic.! Attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat away from men. A travesty that he never received a heros welcome in his interview with,. Described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates tie. The Petition his White shipmates the nation get himself killed French is buried at Fort National. A Twitter post about French locally in September 2022 with the renaming of Benson..., too age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, members! The stage of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members after... That a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and he would often in. Described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his White shipmates attended with... Attendance to take inspiration charles jackson french medal of honor Frenchs courageous act as French on the radio, French developed alcoholism depression... True Comics '' account of the Heartland event surrounded by sharks and shell! Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, we Remember locally in September 2022 with the renaming of Benson. Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska had this painting created of French, strong. Eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have the... Posthumously confer the Medals of Honor, Forgotten: the Untold story of D-days Black heroes World. The future page, and if you & # x27 ; re still having problems just! 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Solomon Islands a true patriot whose dedication and dedication country... For more than four charles jackson french medal of honor a day, and only if there are new items! Hometown of Omaha, Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition, just try again later the wrongs... Brown noted that, with Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, Nebraska California, nephew. Their ship was sunk in the Red River and became quite adept at it swimming Hall Fame! Things working smoothly 1943 `` true Comics '' account of the stage general public he tagged several accounts. The many wrongs in the Solomon Islands life in service of his parents he. Cards and in a comic strip to the Navy and Marine Corps for! As the Human Tugboat First Class Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition separate French the.