www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. 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. Jobs People Learning Dismiss Dismiss. 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. 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, American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Calls to recognize black WWII hero shed light on feat of heroism, Omaha-native Charles Jackson French is credited with saving his entire crew while serving in the U.S. Navy. But after his parents died, he moved to. For his bravery, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French was provided a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. "Bull" Halsey, the Commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, and the Navy Cross, the second-highest award available. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Thems the devils fish. Rear Adm. Charles Brown presented eight of French's relatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal on May 21 in San Diego. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. From left are Navy public affairs officer Krishna Jackson, Samuel Harris, Chester French Jr., Michael Harris, Linda French, Christopher Harris, Roscoe Harris, Christopher Harris Jr., Mark Harris and Capt. Miller wasnt the only African-American hero of World War II, though. 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. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. 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 . His family was presented with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and a swimming pool used for training at the Naval Base San Diego was dedicated in his honor in May 2022. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. The Omaha World-Herald reported that Frenchs story was brought back to prominence through a social media post by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He was a generous and kind soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. Teachers are pumped. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. The link to these posts is here. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. 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. He had been born on Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. I like TOWs suggestion too. The son of a Black minister and a woman who would not admit she was White, James McBride grew up in orchestrated chaos with his 11 siblings in the poor, all-Black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. 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. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. This petition starter stood up and took action. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. A letter of commendation? In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Bill to honor World War II hero Charles Jackson French at Omaha post office signed into law Updated: 6:46 PM CDT Jun 15, 2022 Infinite Scroll Enabled KETV Staff Report Show Transcript. 1603) On June 20, 2022, President Biden signed it into law. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. To see this mini-series, click here. 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. The omission remained on the record for more than four decades. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. 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. French became famous after his commander, Ensign Robert Adrian, told the story on a radio program broadcast across the country. French saved. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. Thats a portrait of a hero. 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. You can try refreshing the page, and if you're still having problems, just try again later. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. While it is great to receive these honors think how much better it would have been to the generations who were denied knowledge and inspiration from a true hero! Charles Jackson (MEng, DIS, MINCOSE) Expand search. After his military service, French developed alcoholism and depression. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego, which makes this recognition of Charles (Jackson) Frenchs heroic actions even more significant.. Charles Jackson French saved 15 men from the USS Gregory in September of 1942. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. Little is known of his earliest days. For this heroic action, in saving the lives of 15 US Sailors, Petty Officer French, an African American, recieved little more than a simple letter of commendation in his file. He was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of public works projects during his career. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. The story of men who served their country when to do so was to endure, or to appear to accept the humiliating admission of ones own inferiority. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. We encourage you to share the site on social media. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Instead, the Navy only issued a letter of commendation. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. He was a powerful swimmer and towed the raft for somewhere between six and eight hours throughout the night, until a landing craft discovered and rescued them. . He was recognized locally in September 2022 with the renaming of a Benson post office in his honor. More at the source. We remember Charles Jackson French, winner of the Navy medal, who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII. When bombs sank the. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. One member of the 320th would be nominated for the Medal of Honor, an award he would never receive because the nations highest decoration was not given to black soldiers in World War II. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. The wording of the letter follows. This to the scientific notationed! Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. The Navy dedicated a pool there to French. A 1943 "True Comics" account of the valor of Charles Jackson French after his ship was sunk at Guadalcanal. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. 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. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. He was born in Foreman, Arkansas on September 25, 1919. This whole story violates the laws of physics. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. We depend on your support and thank you for it! When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. His bravery and selfless devotion to duty will always be remembered and serve as an example to all who serve in the United States military. To see these posts, click this link, For Womens History Month 2022 we featured 31 amazing Black women we should all know. 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. 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. 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. 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. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. 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. Bonus- The Story of Charles Jackson French. 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. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. To see the posts, click here. 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. 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. I was happy to see that, as an American Black man, (French) got recognized.. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. 1 of 5. 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. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. 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. 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. "The country did . Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. 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. 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. This is the story of the Stewards, Cooks and Messboys who manned that branch of naval service. Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. 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. French was a swimmer who performed a. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. Apparently part of the reason that he did not receive an award was that the Navy was reluctant to give him a medal equal or higher to what his ships commander received, and he was killed in the action. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. A little more than a week after Thomas first called the Senators office, Kaine wrote letters to President Joe Biden concerning Miller and French. A pool and a letter of commendation dont seem like enough for this true American hero. If the latter, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have been the most apropos award. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. The event was held as part of events hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in observance of Black History Month. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said in a statement: The story of Charles Jackson French needs to be told and shared for generations to come. 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. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. 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. USA Swimming honored him at the finals of the 2021 Swim Trials in June. 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. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. 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. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. 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. During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. 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. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. 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. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. James McBride, journalist, musician, and son, explores his mothers past, as well as his own upbringing and heritage, in a poignant and powerful debut, The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. 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. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. 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. After he began swimming, he soon encountered sharks. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. There was a problem saving your notification. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. Its the kind of narrative that captures your imagination regardless of which side of the aisle you are on., Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia has supported Thomas request. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. 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. 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. U . A self-declared light-skinned woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her 12 Black children. BZ PO1 French! If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. Story\Experience 43 comments 100% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by: best Correction: This story has been corrected to state that the bill passed by the Senate was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon. French was born in Arkansas in 1919, but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with his married older sister, Viola. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Notably, the letter reduced the hours French spent swimming from six-eight to two. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. 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. 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. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here, Forgotten hero remembered, may finally receive medal for heroism, Cops arent going to do anything to me, then hits flight attendant, South Dakota AGs Army Reserve promotion being held up after fatal car accident, Air Force deploys Giant Military Cats to defeat Chinese balloons, Shaking HMMWV hits 88 mph, travels through time, Air Force shoots down military spouse after mistaking it for spy balloon, Sailors belong at sea, says man who hates his family, Virtual drug test: Airmen can now pee in cups on video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMyq0lLdh2E, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZrE_jwef-E, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYu7dxp585A&t, VA hospitals facing police staffing shortages, Reparations panel: 5 million per qualified Black Individual, US Air Force to reverse adverse actions related to COVID-19 vaccine exemption request, No approaching any more or you will pay full responsibility. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. This button displays the currently selected search type. Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French swam through shark-infested waters for hours while towing a raft loaded with 15 of his wounded USS Gregory shipmates. 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. You can cancel at any time. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. . The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. I [just] froze and tried to surface and float, [get] my feet outta the water.. . It is not necessary to purchase the item in the link. 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