the world learned more about the heroic swimmer. ), Interment Control Forms, 19281962. This he was denied, though for a brief moment in the mid-1940s . 256 0 obj <> endobj Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 0000012814 00000 n A Black man serving in the segregated armed forces, French was credited with saving wounded shipmates during WWII. Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. In 1956, in the year of Charles Jackson French's passing, on May 20th, the U.S. tested the first hydrogen bomb dropped from a plane over Bikini Atoll. 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. Did Charles finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? Growing Up and Early Naval Days. 0 1307. 0000184121 00000 n Outgunned, Gregory only lasted three minutes from the time the flares were dropped to the time she began to sink. His father skipped out on the family when he was 10 and the boy completed his elementary education in Newark, then began college at Syracuse University but abruptly quit. Charles Jackson French (25 September 1919 to 07 November 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Link to family and friends whose lives he impacted. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. He had first enlisted in the navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Swimming until sunrise, French and the 15 Sailors on the raft he was towing were spotted by a scout aircraft. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire in the South Pacific. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. When twenty-four or twenty-five of his injured shipmates were unable to swim to safety, French tied a rope around his . 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. The average age of 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. Foreman, Little River County, Arkansas, USA, San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. 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. 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. Section N Site 490 P.o. French would go on to earn the name The Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. Dr. Frances Toni Draper announces retirement from pastorship at Freedom Temple AME Zion Church, 130 years of excellence: AFRO Gala set to kick anniversary celebration into high gear. [3], French was an orphan from Foreman, Arkansas[4] who learned to swim in the Red River at the age of eight.[5]. Share what Charles did for a living or if he had a career or profession. Make sure that the file is a photo. Add to your scrapbook. O6z ` ~+ He returned to Boston in 1832 . 0000007741 00000 n Where we share as we remember & make discoveries and connect with others to help answer questions. 0000012696 00000 n He later received the Navy Cross. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 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. HTo0~_G#C@*%imVMNcW/RgR};;ww_@o.@r"?%YDiA,~J6adlm8Q35:P/0|mc2?wW8m.Or \mz{.-GJ^{ The Biography piece is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. Once Charles Jackson French was identified, he became a national hero. 0000175553 00000 n Just before 1 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 5, the two ships saw flashes of gunfire. Along with stevedore and steward, mess attendant was one of the few occupations open to African American men in the navy. 0000102179 00000 n cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. The New York Stock Exchange, is an American stock exchange located at 11 Wall . The pilot dispatched a Marine landing craft to pick them up. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. 0000190410 00000 n Gregory, a destroyer training ship, when it was sunk by the Japanese navy near the Solomon Islands. I think Charles Jackson French's story of rescue is one of the most amazing I have ever read, and I never heard of him prior to today, March 5, 2021. But now through social media, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French is being shared to thousands of . 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 . GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS Fellow troops tried to talk him out of the desperate move, to take cover and escape the shark-infested waters, but French wouldnt listen. 0000125243 00000 n The bootlegging and brothel organization was massive and when asked what he did, Capone often replied "I am just a businessman, giving the people what they want". When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, 0000002222 00000 n Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. SAN DIEGO - The Navy announced plans today to dedicate a rescue swimming training pool at Naval Base San Diego to Mess Attendant First Class Charles Jackson French in honor of . endstream endobj 257 0 obj <>/Metadata 35 0 R/Pages 34 0 R/StructTreeRoot 37 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 258 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 259 0 obj <> endobj 260 0 obj <> endobj 261 0 obj <> endobj 262 0 obj <> endobj 263 0 obj <>stream With the attack on Pearl Harbor, Charles French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, he re-enlisted in the United States Navy. 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. 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/. 0000012928 00000 n 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. 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 . nv]Ps;d4=;.%6HF>|m}hQIk5C).vH x3F:D0efNyh>x?EKJR1Vr #i DD2o0P_zsYje!o,V Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. 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. It wasnt until 1988 that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was promoted by President Ronald Reagan to the cabinet executive level. Previously, hydrogen bombs had only been tested on the ground. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, https://omaha.com/news/local/history/back-in-the-day-oct-30-1942-omahas-hero-of-the-solomon-islands-returns-home/article_ef06042c-2788-11ec-a5e1-4b1dd928d8f4.html, 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, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/memorial-day-rewind-the-forgotten-hero-of-wwii/, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, spoke at the event, pointing to how his actions can inspire us all to be heroes in our own way. More like this: New Study Surfaces Detailing Racial Discrimination in the Military, Filed Under: Military History Tagged With: Black military history, Charles Jackson French, Navy. French successfully brought these men to safety on the shores of The Solomon Islands. 4168 to rename an Omaha post office for French. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. 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. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. The 22-year-old saved the lives of 15 sailors . In 1925, Charles was just 6 years old when gangster Al "Scarface" Capone took over the Chicago bootlegging racket at age 26. 0000189970 00000 n HUn0+B-Q[5PtU@$ The story of Charles Jackson French's valor was told in newspapers, on radio dramas, in comics, in World War II calendars and on this bubble gum card. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. I get the chance to remember the Share yesterday to connect today & preserve tomorrow, Copyright 1999-2023 AncientFaces, Inc. All Rights Reserved, ADVERTISEMENT . STEWARDS MATE 1/C US NAVY Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. He saved 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours though shark-invested waters towing a life raft. A system error has occurred. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. It sold half a million copies in the first six months. we begin to Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives. 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. He continued his medical studies at the University of Paris, also attending lectures on geology at the Royal School of Mines. endstream endobj 269 0 obj <>stream French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Mini Bio (1) Charles Jackson was born in 1903 into a wholly dysfunctional family in Summit, New Jersey. 0000003773 00000 n NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent. 35 years shorter than recommended by Julian Jackson. Thinking the flashes came from Japanese submarines, the pilot dropped a line of five flares in the water. 20072023 Blackpast.org. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Along with Doris Dorie Miller, who received the Navy Cross for valor during the attack on the fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, French was one of the most celebrated Black sailors during the war. This browser does not support getting your location. 18 February 2022. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." However, at 1:23 a.m. on Sept. 5, 1942, French was one of a few uninjured Sailors that found themselves floating on makeshift rafts when the Japanese ships turned their guns from the crippled ships to the crew floating in the water. 0000190535 00000 n i6 oSs$tXE`q8X4A`q8X4][D28c}SKYjn1gwQ]7/ O We have set your language to Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 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. 0000005539 00000 n 0000101640 00000 n The pilot dispatched a Marine landing craft to pick them up. I have a new hero and his name is Charles Jackson French. Three Japanese destroyers Ydachi, Hatsuyuki, and Murakumo came into the Slot undetected to bombard American positions ashore. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. A depiction of French's heroic actions was included in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Try again later. 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. If you are interested, you are suggested to go through this video, Charles Jackson French Cause of Death.Post going through the entire video, you will get a better idea about the real and accurate news. 0000002403 00000 n Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. French had enlisted . 0000104051 00000 n On the night of September 5, 1942, French was on board the U.S.S. Please enter your email and password to sign in. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. 0000011569 00000 n After six months at sea, however, French would prove that he was much more than a bellhop seagoing . #CharlesJacksonFrench #CharlesJacksonFrenchOfDeath #CelebritiesCauseOfDeathCharles Jackson French Cause of Death (Mar 2021) Obituary, Death, ReasonCharles Ja. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced # C @ * % imVMNcW/RgR ;! 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