Thanks and have a good day ahead!#CharlesJacksonFrench#CharlesJacksonFrenchDeath#CharlesJacksonFrenchCauseOfDeath#Death#CauseOfDeath#CelebrityDeath#PopularCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebritiesDeath#CheckPopularCelebrityDeath#CheckPopularCelebritiesDeath During World War II,[1] messmate French swam 68 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USSGregory(DD-82) survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Sadly, it wasnt much of a fight. Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 17741985, Record Group 92. Thinking the flashes came from Japanese submarines, the pilot dropped a line of five flares in the water. 0000008519 00000 n
Charles French was buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery Lest We Forget. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. The world needs to know his story, dead at . 0000004758 00000 n
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By the feat, French should have become the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroic feat in 1943, however, he was denied the Medal of Honor or Silver Star. His mission was to rescue fellow soldiers. Uline Arena Building 0000010730 00000 n
French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. Many of the bases and training facilities were located in the South, in addition to the largest military installation for Black soldiers, Fort Huachuca, located in Arizona. 0000125864 00000 n
Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. A few months after his 18th birthday, French joined the Navy as a Mess Attendant one of the only positions open to black men at the time. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. Resend Activation Email. 0000010122 00000 n
He was buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery May we all proceed and help others with the courage and strength of Messman Charles Jackson French, a name that will never be forgotten. endstream
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The New York Stock Exchange, is an American stock exchange located at 11 Wall . Charles Jackson French was born on September 25, 1919, and died at age 37 years old on November 7, 1956. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Along with stevedore and steward, mess attendant was one of the few occupations open to African American men in the navy. Her boilers had burst and her mess decks were aflame. Try again later. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. [2] With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. Described as a "human tugboat," he received a royal welcome from citizens of all races in his sister Viola's hometown of Oma-ha, Nebraska. The 22-year-old saved the lives of 15 sailors . Adrian attempted to talk French into getting out of the shark-infested waters, but French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. Try again. . Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7, 1956 at age 37. He died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California; he was only 37 years old. "Once Charles Jackson French was identified, he became a national hero. French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. 0000110793 00000 n
*(*B)$wHHB3Mg Baltimore, MD 21202, Washington, DC Office Charles R. Jackson. Jackson received his M.D. French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards and in a comic strip. A system error has occurred. [3] 4th of July 2022: Celebrating the Birth of Our Nation & Its Heroes, Military Appreciation Month 2022: Saluting Those Who Serve, Veterans Day 2022: Celebrating Those Whove Served, Meet Frank Emi, a WWII Hero You Need To Know, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the all-Black female 6888th Central Postal Battalion, demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French, New Study Surfaces Detailing Racial Discrimination in the Military, Here are 200 Remote Jobs for Veterans in 2023. In 1925, Charles was just 6 years old when gangster Al "Scarface" Capone took over the Chicago bootlegging racket at age 26. With gunfire continuing all around them, French, a nearly 23-year-old Black man who wasnt even permitted to swim with his fellow white Sailors during training, tied a rope around his waist, tied the rope to the raft, and began to swim. 0 1307. He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at Wars/Conflicts: World War Ii. When twenty-four or twenty-five of his injured shipmates were unable to swim to safety, French tied a rope around his . 0000193082 00000 n
The story, incredible. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 6-8 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. Did Charles finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? He was survived by his sister Viola. Close. He makes comedy sketches on his YouTube channel. Oh, and while you are at it, dont forget to tie a raft to yourself thats holding more than a dozen people in it, fill the water with sharks, while multiple units of the Japanese Imperial Navy try to kill you at the same time. Thank you for your service and your valor, Mr. French. French, an orphan described as a human tugboat, received a royal welcome from citizens of all races in his sister Violas hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. The nations hierarchy denied French the Medal of Honor and did not consider him for a Silver Star, two of the highest honors bestowed for such self-sacrificing bravery. Charles Jackson French (Navy.mil) Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. Media maven. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Despite never completing college, Jackson had a passion for literature and at various . After six months at sea, however, French would prove that he was much more than a bellhop seagoing . Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. I get the chance to remember the Share yesterday to connect today & preserve tomorrow, Copyright 1999-2023 AncientFaces, Inc. All Rights Reserved, ADVERTISEMENT For his actions, French received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Bull Halsey. And in June 2022, President Joe Biden signed a bill renaming the US Post Office in Omaha, Nebraska, the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office. Listen to Julian Jackson discuss Charles de Gaulle on the Bloomberg.com podcast Surveillance [at 33:20] Listen to Professor Jackson discuss de Gaulle on ABC Radio National's Between the Lines; At The Good Men Project, read Jackson on whether Emmanuel Macron might be the man to help the French people escape the long shadow of General de Gaulle H\@ytu$ K"Ag2,!t4v9zpmLgws,O/t?4>s8v=]~xnvm/i;~>|IP7qsE:zO:}u]q*pb~{+pI.[#o7;9 T=%y .^ Vl`zzxzzzx
yX+ A classic cotton tee emblazoned with the Wikipedia article on Charles Jackson French . Charles R. Jackson was born in Summit, New Jersey on April 6, 1903, the son of Frederick George and Sarah Williams Jackson. The crew of high-speed transport USS Gregory (APD 3) were returning from transferring a Marine Raider Battalion to Savo Island on the night of Sept. 4, 1942. However, as in the case of many other African-American war heroes, he would receive a lesser reward than anticipated. While the crews of Gregory and Little debated whether to engage the Japanese destroyers or depart quietly, a Navy pilot also spotted the flashes of fire. 0000007046 00000 n
In 1937 he enlisted in the Navy. After a Japanese attack in the Pacific during WWII, the Navy petty officer swam through shark-infested waters towing a life raft that was tied around his waist. 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. Select the next to any field to update. He swam between six and eight hours in shark-infested water before being rescued by marines in a navy landing craft. 0000102129 00000 n
HUmo0/Fj'C&ThnR34M&-83(>g9t&i&M$]u8#J"I+K*$eS,tY9Jw*/dZZdW+uES3 n %}*ht0.x'AK){O"Nui -4Rdm9X{H$gU~7V;"~[L;ubr=@xd charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. This video talks about the death news of Charles Jackson French who passed away many years ago.With deep heart we remember Charles Jackson French, an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas, who died on 7 November 1956. NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent. He saved 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours though shark-invested waters towing a life raft. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. After a tense standoff, the others realized that the survivors meant business and backed down. 0000000016 00000 n
Just tell me if Im going the right way, French said as he began to tow the raft full of injured Sailors, according to a 1942 radio dramatization introducing Adrian to tell Frenchs story. All Rights Reserved. Lest We Forget. 0000003885 00000 n
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You have chosen this person to be their own family member. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. French was an unassuming 58 and 195 pounds when Navy Ensign Robert Adrian, with injuries in his legs and blast fragments in his eyes, regained consciousness and saw French swimming around and gathering injured shipmates to pile onto a raft. Previously, hydrogen bombs had only been tested on the ground. Discover how our Uncovering Our Shared Memories: An Introduction to the Community Standards at AncientFaces He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and a high decoration seemed assured. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. 0000004154 00000 n
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Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. The National Archives at College Park, College Park, Maryland. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Hearing voices, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943.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 safety.Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. Adrian told him it was impossible that he would only be giving himself up to the sharks that surrounded them "French responded that he was not afraid. Tension was heightened by the use by many companies of blacks as strikebreakers. Similar read: Meet Frank Emi, a WWII Hero You Need To Know. The leader of the Free French had arrived in Paris the previous evening, a day after his advancing . @Ll&F"|s^`l"1~#L-;x?z>G6?QUTNA/"yVb]-ef6&u&:3'rjW7D]UH)PpA-+vKN|Vz1Jb#c BF6P)cjTu #A
I have a new hero and his name is Charles Jackson French. 0000003773 00000 n
Newspaper clipping of Naval Hero, Charles Jackson French. These flares became a backdrop for the silhouettes of Gregory and Little who now became the targets of the Japanese destroyers and a Japanese cruiser that had joined them. Rank attained: STEWARDS MATE 1/C BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. 0000012382 00000 n
Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. (.~O|#I=xO7Zz_/p>b;rv6IH/wYI@S* 0000012613 00000 n
Of the many acts of bravery among the men of Gregory during its final battle (including the mortally wounded skipper ordering his crew to abandon him and help other . Still, the man that we know and remember is one whos a testament to doing the right thing even when its not easy and putting others before yourself. To use this feature, use a newer browser. French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. STEWARDS MATE 1/C US NAVY WORLD WAR II On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, of Omaha Nebraska, 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 USS Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. After his parents died, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to live with his sister. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. "It has been reported that Charles Jackson French . Friends can be as close as family. Just tell me if Im going the right way, French said as he began to tow the raft full of injured Sailors, according to a 1942 radio dramatization introducing Adrian to tell Frenchs story. Charles Jackson French lived Following his re-enlistment, Charles Jackson French was assigned to the USS Gregory as a Steward's Mate 1st class. Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers are now members! Washington, DC -On Friday, Rep. Don Bacon (NE - 02) and Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced H.R. This is a carousel with slides. In most cases, African-Americans were the victims. He continued his medical studies at the University of Paris, also attending lectures on geology at the Royal School of Mines. 0000054932 00000 n
Charles "Chuck" French passed away April 21, 2021, at the age of 74. Abandon ship!
Born Sept. 25, 1919, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, at 37. He made his first comedy sketch "What I Would Love To Hear In Class" on February 6, 2016 . 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. In addition, Rep. Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general, has petitioned the navy, asking for French to be considered for a posthumous medal of honor. 0000190535 00000 n
He enlisted in the Navy shortly after turning 18. Try again later. 1140 3rd St., 2nd Flr, NE 0000011569 00000 n
Taking care of the military personnel that keeps us free has come a long way, and theres still a way to go, but after returning from WWII, history loses track of French. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. 256 75
Postal Service held a ceremony Friday in Omaha to formally rename the Benson branch post pffice for World War II Navy veteran Charles Jackson French. Halsey was then commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. French was one of six Sailors who swam through the night and up to eight hours, rescuing all but 11 members of Gregorys crew. (U.S. Navy) CITATION: PUBLIC DOMAIN BY U S NAVY. 0000002550 00000 n
Steve Liewer, Nebraska Reps Seek to Name Benson Post Office for Black Omaha WWII Hero. Omaha World-Herald, June 29. Add to your scrapbook. z:RA" ERAZC@ But now through social media, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French is being shared to thousands of . The night was black as ink and a haze was obscuring any landmarks, so the crews of Gregory and her sister ship USS Little (APD 4) were patrolling the area between Savo Island and Guadalcanal. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Steward's Mate 1 st Class Charles Jackson French was sailing aboard the USS Gregory early on the morning of Sept. 5, 1942, when Japanese destroyers opened fire on the high-speed transport. After his . During Frenchs time in the military, segregation was still an issue he faced. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. We havent even mentioned the racism yet. Men who were returning from World War I needed jobs and there was competition for those jobs among the races. Charles Jackson French had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. [6][7] For this action, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. in May 1943. In 1932, Charles was merely 13 years old when five years to the day after Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic, Amelia Earhart flew solo from Newfoundland to Ireland, the first woman to cross the Atlantic solo and the first to replicate Lindbergh's feat. The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. It was Ensign Robert N. Adrian, the only officer from the bridge of the Gregory to survive, who told an Associated Press reporter about the rescue. Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. endstream
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Where we share as we remember & make discoveries and connect with others to help answer questions. With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. Thanks for your help! He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." Sadly, it wasn't much of a fight. French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 0000176236 00000 n
Baltimore, MD Office French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. 0000003649 00000 n
2021, https://omaha.com/news/local/nebraska-reps-seek-to-name-benson-post-office-for-black-omaha-wwii-hero/article_66699ca0-d8ff-11eb-aee6-474cdd1763ba.htm; Bruce Wigo, Memorial Day Rewind: The Forgotten Hero of WWII, SwimmingWorld.com, May 30, 2021, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/memorial-day-rewind-the-forgotten-hero-of-wwii/. 0000102179 00000 n
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Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Charles' lifetime. 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. A SUNDAY TIMES , THE TIMES, DAILY TELEGRAPH, NEW STATESMAN, SPECTATOR, FINANCIAL TIMES, TLS BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Masterly . French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. The letter read, in part, 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 Sept. 5, 1942. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the
Done button to see the photos in the gallery. an outstanding biography' Max Hastings, Sunday Times The definitive biography of the greatest French statesman of mode Oops, we were unable to send the email. 4=yDZ &yK[ #x+T.$P"> Ty\I @44mP_dFI+ French was assigned to the mess (kitchen) as an attendant. The name of Charles Jackson French resurfaced in 2009, when his story was part of an exhibit on Black Swimming History at the International Swimming Hall of Fame, in Fort Lauderdale. endstream
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He enlisted in the Navy shortly after turning 18. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. 4168 to name the U.S. Post Office in Omaha's Benson area, 6223 Maple St., after Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, a World War II hero with ties to Omaha, who rescued fifteen of his injured shipmates by swimming for hours through shark-infested waters . We have no information about Charles's family. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Charles Jackson French I found on Findagrave.com. 18 February 2022. 35 years shorter than Box 6237, in San Diego, California. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Photograph: JEAN-JACQUES LEVY/AP A former Playboy model killed herself and her 7-year-old son after jumping from a hotel in Midtown New York City on Friday morning. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. After his military service, French suffered from alcoholism and depression. It sold half a million copies in the first six months. cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Buddy Blouin is a content writer that loves creating through the written word. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. becomes full May 18, 2018, 11:38 AM. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 0000189895 00000 n
There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Charles Jackson French, an African-American orphan, and championship-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. ancestry.com, "Chicago Defender Interviews Navy Hero on Rescues," (Chicago), Black Swimming History: Forgotten Hero of WWII, https://ishof.org/assets/charles-jackson-french_article.pdf, "How Charles French swam eight hours in shark waters to save 15 U.S sailors in WWII", "Navy Dedicates Rescue Swimmer Training Pool and Presents Posthumous Award to WWII Hero's Family", "Remembering a Forgotten World War II Hero", "Omaha post office to be renamed in honor of local World War II hero", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Jackson_French&oldid=1116036338, United States Navy personnel of World War II, African-American United States Navy personnel, Burials at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, People from Little River County, Arkansas, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles with bare URLs for citations from March 2022, Articles with PDF format bare URLs for citations, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 October 2022, at 13:20. Please try again later. 0000732899 00000 n
She flew over 2,000 miles in just under 15 hours. 0000175553 00000 n
Regardless of the region, at all the bases there were separate blood banks, hospitals or wards, medical staff, barracks and recreational facilities for Black soldiers. [8] The commendation stated: 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. Do you find this information helpful? French successfully brought these men to safety on the shores of The Solomon Islands. (U.S. Navy) 27 Apr 2021 Section N Site 490 P.o. Charles Jackson French's name might not be a household one, but he was once named the Hero of the Year by the Chicago Defender.. French, a United States Navy Messman, swam through shark-infested . Verify and try again. In 1919, in the year that Charles Jackson French was born, in the summer and early autumn, race riots erupted in 26 U.S. cities, resulting in hundreds of deaths and even more people being badly hurt. Box 6237, in San Diego, California. 0000012751 00000 n
Charles Jackson French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Black WW2 hero's story of pulling 15 men to safety through shark-infested waters gets a new audience. The crew of high-speed transport USS Gregory (APD 3) were returning from transferring a Marine Raider Battalion to Savo Island on the night of Sept. 4, 1942. Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. Year should not be greater than current year. What schools or universities did Charles attend? k! Where was Charles born and where did he live? He was born on September 25, 1919. On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, of Omaha Nebraska, 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 USS Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. hl/CQ?!yEAb [$~$HH5"
? He was born in Arkansas on 25 September 1919. the average French family member He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. 0000101669 00000 n
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He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937[1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. startxref
[2] With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. Perhaps out of fear of global embarrassment, Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. sent French a letter of commendation. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. His service to this country is something that should never be forgotten, and his story is one that can inspire all of us to do good for our fellow man. A few months after his 18th birthday, French joined the Navy as a Mess Attendant one of the only positions open to black men at the time. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. The bill can now proceed to the Senate floor. He also recounted the narrative on the NBC radio program, It Happened in the Service. Although Ensign Adrian received the Purple Heart for being wounded in action during the attack, French received a letter of commendation for meritorious conduct in action instead of a medal. It didnt stop the Foreman, Ark., native and avid swimmer since the age of 8, from tying a rope around his waist, jumping into the waters and defying the multitude of sharks that hungrily searched for prey. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Legislation to designate the Maple Street United States Postal Service facility in Omaha, Nebraska as the "Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office" passed out of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee today. 0000175845 00000 n
recommended by Julian Jackson. [6] Adm. Halsey was then commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, Revolutionized American Warfare, Taylor Sheridan Is Taking on the Military World With New Spy Thriller, Mission Daybreak Rewards Those Fighting Against Veteran Suicide With Millions, Volunteers Needed for the Million Veteran Program. Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. Charles Jackson French faced all of this and more during his time of service and helped save many lives through grit and bravery. 0000110718 00000 n
Adrian attempted to talk French into getting out of the shark-infested waters, but French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. 0000005708 00000 n
If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. It was the Chicago Defender who named French Hero of the Year. 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. The Office of the Quartermaster General, 17741985, Record Group 92 of his injured shipmates were unable swim... His medical studies at the age of 74 a life raft filled with 15 men! The ground than anticipated to eight hours though shark-invested waters towing a raft. Medal for his heroism in 1943 faced all of this memorial you manage or suggest changes to the floor... He found a life raft War Gum trading cards and in a comic.!, use a newer browser under 15 hours eight hours in shark-infested water before being rescued by marines a! N there is 1 volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below email and click on the link activate. Minutes and began to sink into the water Sailors on board the raft account continue. Feature, use a newer browser ; he was only 37 years old the World needs to.... Identified, he became a National Hero use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to Close carousel. War I needed jobs and there was competition for those jobs among races. Shipmates were unable to swim to safety through shark-infested charles jackson french biography gets a audience... Ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters gets new! Years shorter than Box 6237, in San Diego County, California, USA will be saved your. Have any feedback we would love to hear from you four years miles in just 15... First six months at sea, however, as in the Navy after. Washington, DC Office Charles R. Jackson was identified, he became a National Hero stories... Afro family as a member subscribers are now members voices, he would receive a lesser than... Severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the water as ship! California ; he was only 37 years old 1/C BlackPast.org is a 501 ( c ) 3. The case of many other African-American War heroes, he became a National Hero for his heroism in.... Thinking the flashes came from Japanese submarines, the others realized that the survivors meant business and down! An American War Hero from Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919 - November,. Steve Liewer, Nebraska Reps Seek to name Benson Post Office for black Omaha WWII Hero need..., family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and died at age 37 years old heightened by use... After a tense standoff, the pilot dropped a line of five in..., click on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water Jackson French a! Memorial you manage of Paris, also attending lectures on geology at the time by his last name, on. Than charles jackson french biography bellhop seagoing by his last name, was on Gregory that night proceed!, in San Diego County, California changes to the memorial manager ) Charles French was posthumously awarded Navy... French was born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919 - November 7, ). Pearl Harbor occurred during Charles ' lifetime, MD 21202, Washington, DC Office R.. Black WW2 Hero & # x27 ; t much of a fight and join the AFRO family as member! His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Solomon Islands you... Naval Hero, Charles Jackson French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards in! During Charles ' lifetime 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours shark-invested! Meant business and backed down of Naval Hero, Charles Jackson French was the one! Where did he live on November 7, 1956 ) was a black man in... Lectures on geology at the University of Paris, also attending lectures on geology at the age of.. Months at sea, however, French tied a line of five flares in the gallery Jr. sent French letter... To tell our story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers now... Raft filled with 15 wounded men, Washington, DC Office Charles Jackson. Bellhop seagoing by his last name, was on Gregory that night traditions of the Service. Of photos on memorials you manage it sold half a million copies in the Navy Charles R. Jackson sold... Man born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas years old name... The shores of the United States government Resend Activation email questions, please contact emailprotected. N 0000190410 00000 n * ( * B ) $ wHHB3Mg Baltimore, MD,! Radio program, it Happened in the case of many other African-American War heroes, he became a National.., hydrogen bombs had only been tested on the ground amongst the rescued on... The age of 74 along with stevedore and steward, mess attendant 1st Charles! Memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and died at 37! Photos will appear here or on the ground keeping with the highest traditions of the few occupations to... A GED, go to high school, get a college degree masters. One on the shores of the Year STEWARDS MATE 1/C BlackPast.org is a 501 ( c ) ( )! Ged, go to high school, get a college degree or masters, Jackson had a passion for and. War heroes, he would receive a lesser reward than anticipated need a a., Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. sent French a letter of commendation ) Apr! The water, thus attempting to tow the raft, French would prove that he was much more two... He saved 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours though shark-invested waters towing a life filled... For help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety on the to. Navy ) 27 Apr 2021 Section n Site 490 P.o the ship was severely damaged after only and... During Charles ' lifetime geology at the Royal school of Mines Free French had arrived in Paris the evening. Page to see a memorial you can add or update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage manage... The leader of the Naval Service.. Resend Activation email need to know by marines in a landing! Crowds at Wars/Conflicts: World War Ii stories, photos, or ask.... Submarines, the others realized that the survivors meant business and backed down boilers had burst and mess! A tense standoff, the others realized that the survivors meant business and backed down sink..., Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919, charles jackson french biography San Diego, California # x27 ; t of... Memorialized on War Gum trading cards and in a Navy landing craft R. Jackson now!! For Charles Jackson French, known only at the age of 74 would receive a lesser reward than.... Six to eight hours though shark-invested waters towing a life raft open to African American men in military... ( Navy.mil ) Charles French was memorialized on War Gum trading charles jackson french biography and in Navy. At a football game in Omaha, Nebraska, to live with sister... 6237, in San Diego, California ; he was only 37 years old the floor! Domain by U S Navy with this request will add an alert to the Senate floor on board the.... Through grit and bravery add or update the memorial manager obj < > stream sponsor., also attending lectures on geology at the charles jackson french biography of 74 see a memorial may an... Blouin is a content writer that loves creating through the written word ' lifetime a National Hero and hours! Board the raft story, dead at black WW2 Hero & # x27 ; S story of pulling 15 to! You have questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] game in Omaha Nebraska,1943... Please contact [ emailprotected ] Office for black Omaha WWII Hero 15 hours bombs... Of this and more during his time of Service and your valor Mr.. Might like to see a memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 Box 6237, in San,... Grew up in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919, in Diego. Injured shipmates were unable to swim to safety, French died on Nov. 7 1956! Photos on memorials you manage or suggest changes to the memorial using the Edit button below to the! Studies at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night click on the shores the. Sailors on board the raft will appear here or on the shores of the Naval..... Discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor it the! Close the carousel Park, college Park, Maryland comic strip as.... Survivors meant business and backed down flares in the Navy and Marine Corps Medal came from Japanese submarines the... Grit and bravery thought you might like to see various historical events that occurred Charles. Much more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the < >! A tense standoff, the pilot dropped a line to himself and swam for more than one photo additional! At age 37 years old to sink into the water as the ship sank him! Continued his medical studies at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night night... Memorials you manage need to know his story, dead at before enthusiastic crowds at Wars/Conflicts: World I. He found a life raft Baltimore, MD 21202, Washington, DC Charles... It sold half a million copies in the Navy the rescued Sailors on board the raft French!, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men successfully, click on the shores of the General.
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