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, 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. Interspersed in these are items from partners with Amazing Black History that allow you to support our work without cost to you as we are paid a small royalty by the partner. "The country did . This petition starter stood up and took action. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. 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. Yet, history has overlooked him. Yet, history has overlooked him. He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. We receive a small royalty without cost to you. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. He filled a position as a Mess Attendant 1st Classone of the only positions available to black men at the time. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. 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. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. 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. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. 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 man willing to fight in defense of his country. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. . The information that we present to everyone is extremely important, and a small donation can help us keep it that way. 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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. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy on Nov. 13, 1941, but reenlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 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. Their orders were to man a curtain of armed balloons meant to deter enemy aircraft. 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 the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. There is a campaign requesting a Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to French. 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. Will you do the same? It only took 3 minutes for the ship to sink. Thats a portrait of a hero. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. It took so long.. Darn guys a stud. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. . 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. To see the posts, click here. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. Its a story of the best of who we are.. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Dismiss. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Roughly 15 survivors of the Gregory, some injured, were gathered in a life raft. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. 2023 A Month of Tribute to 31 Women We Should All Know, Rosewood A Typical Race Riot 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. I like TOWs suggestion too. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS 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. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. 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. Charles Jackson French's draft registration card. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. The mess attendant later noted that the sailors support had stayed with him for the rest of his life. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. But French said he wasnt afraid. 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. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. We depend on your support and thank you for it! Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. Willie was only 11 years old when he received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, and he was awarded it shortly after his 13th birthday. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. 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. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. 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. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. 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. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. Join now . Please subscribe to keep reading. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. U.S. Navy Capt. 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. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. Adrian retired from the Navy in 1966 and died in 2011, without succeeding. Willie Johnson, the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor, is also the youngest person to receive the medal. Since they were taking direct fire, Id feel the Navy Cross the more appropriate of the two. We remember Charles Jackson French, winner of the Navy medal, who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. 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. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. 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). No medal. While the sailors in the life raft were off the burning ship, they were still in deep trouble. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. 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. 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. 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. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. {{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? He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Your email address will not be published. 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 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. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. 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He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. 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. French may have been denied the medal because a Silver Star was awarded to one of his superiors and it was unprecedented to award a higher medal to a subordinate. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. French saved. Itwould ef. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . I say MOH. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. But his story will be told during a ga, A Virginia woman is trying an unconventional approach to secure the Medal of Honor for two WWII heroes, including Charles Jackson French, who , The University of Nebraska at Omaha honored a long-unsung World War II hero once lauded as a human tugboat during a Black History Month even, Metropolitan Community College is seeking to take over a Marine Corps facility next to its Fort Omaha campus for future expansion. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores 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. 1603) On June 20, 2022, President Biden signed it into law. You can cancel at any time. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his bravery and combat action. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. If the Navy and Marine Corps Medal is appropriate for Frenchs action, and by any objective measure it would be, then he ought to get the Navy Cross of MOH. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of Frenchs relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. 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. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. 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. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. 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. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. 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. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. 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. . 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