Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. He served two stints in the Navy. On 1 February 1685, instead of walking his spaniels as usual in St James's Park, a park whose construction he had himself funded, Charles, plagued by a leg ulcer, perhaps secondary to gout, went for a carriage ride. Even after all of his heroics, once he and the others made it to a rest camp, the authorities at this camp insisted on having French segregated from the whites in the group. flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety. 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. He was survived by his sister Viola. Jackson French was a 23 year-old orphan from Foreman, Arkansas who had enlisted in the navy in 1937. With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. As he later recounted, as recorded by Chester Wright in Black Men and Blue Water, French and other uninjured soldiers were taken to a rest camp by their rescuers, who wanted to separate French from the white sailors. When Adrian told French that the current was carrying them toward the Japanese occupied island, French. Its a story of the best of who we are.. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. A system error has occurred. SAN DIEGO - The Navy dedicated a surface rescue swimmer training pool located at Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) in honor of Steward's Mate 1st Class Charles Jackson French Saturday, May 21, 2022. 0000108198 00000 n Try again later. 1. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. loneliness and of death. The U.S. Navy Office Of Information reports that the Gregory, outgunned, sank after just three minutes. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 1st 2023 from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM . Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. The unfortunate truth is that, while we know that French passed away at the age of 37 and is buried in the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery located in San Diego, CA, things are blurry. 0000006232 00000 n French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. Story highlights. After turning 18, he joined the Navy and was a mess attendant, one of the few jobs that Black sailors were regulated too. The newspaper continued: Although Mess Attendant Charles Jackson French of Arkansas was not in a heroic job, he MADE a heroic job out of it. I knew that if we floated ashore wed be taken as prisoners of war, he said. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Just before 1 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 5, the two ships saw flashes of gunfire. Find the nearest body of water to you. Sorry! Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. Foreman, Little River County, Arkansas, USA, San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. Try again later. Despite his heroism, the ignorantly prejudiced United States all but ignored French. Born Sept. 25, 1919, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, at 37. He was a powerful swimmer, and swam all night, 6 to 8 hours, until they were eventually saved by a landing craft. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Public DomainCharles Jackson French was assigned to the USS Gregory, which was destroyed in September 1942. (U.S. Navy) 27 Apr 2021 Military.com | By Stephen Losey At sunrise, an American scout finally spotted him and the others and sent rescue. F. Baurer, the ships CO. Oops, something didn't work. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. On the night of September 4, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Gregory was struck by an attack from multiple Japanese destroyers. For his actions, French received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Bull Halsey. The history of Cape Verde is typical and yet unique for its location. Three Japanese destroyers Ydachi, Hatsuyuki, and Murakumo came into the Slot undetected to bombard American positions ashore. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. -- The story of Charles Jackson French captured the attention of Omaha in the weeks ahead of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials. 0000106326 00000 n He was never seen again. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Fearing that the raft would drift toward the shore where Japanese troops were located, French towed the raft of wounded survivors toward a different island. 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. This is a carousel with slides. endstream endobj 270 0 obj <>stream Charles Jackson French has a story thats been forgotten in the pages of history. The Famous Canals Of Venice Are Drying Up Due To Drought Conditions And Unusually Low Tides, 2,000-Year-Old Phallic Wooden Object Found In England Likely Oldest Roman Sex Toy Ever Found, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. This conversation with Charles Jackson French occurred shortly after the Korean War. H\n0Fy He later received the Navy Cross. No cause of death was provided. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam through the night in shark infested waters towing a raft of wounded sailors with a rope around his waist. 0000189970 00000 n 0000175845 00000 n After six months at sea, however, French would prove that he was much more than a bellhop seagoing or otherwise. A depiction of French's heroic actions was included in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. A jury must decide if AEG Live contributed to his death by . 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. Charles Jackson was first enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he lived with his family. Born on Sept. 29, 1919, Charles Jackson French spent his early years in Foreman, Arkansas. 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. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Many were wounded and killed. 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. 256 0 obj <> endobj The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. 0000055359 00000 n For the next six to eight hours, French tirelessly swam as sharks got so close that they sometimes brushed against his legs. Charles's grandfather died before his birth on October 10, 1332. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. Adrian and other white Americans owe their LIVES to a black man whom he identified as a mess attendant named French,' the Pittsburgh Courier, a Black newspaper, wrote after French was identified. French saved. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. The story, incredible. Interment Control Forms, A1 2110-B. On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Messman Charles Jackson French 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 sunrise, French and his fellow Sailors were spotted and eventually rescued. 0000010122 00000 n 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. Charles Jackson French salutes while next to his sister Viola at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. HUKo0WEo@-0cmVbHJO40`~H#)QzU2:A./nnIyU$"b}V$9,%,L3SBC.F6k*\f0tJ-. There is a problem with your email/password. And by the time he was 18, French decided to strike out on his own and enlist in the U.S. Navy. His bravery, heroism, and toughness are a testament to the best in mankind even when mankind isnt being its best. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. He was only 37 years old. We have set your language to Resend Activation Email. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Charles Jackson French I found on Findagrave.com. French would go on to earn the name The Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. That night he went to bed, slept uneasily, and awoke at about 7 a.m. The story of Charles Jackson French takes an interesting turn once he and his fellow survivors reached safety. 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. Its surviving men were plunged into shark-infested waters as the Japanese fired on them. 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. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Charles Jackson French 1919 - 1956 . 0000125638 00000 n In June 2021, he was honored by USA Swimming at the Olympics Swim Trials in Omaha. Just tell me if Im going the right way, French said. 0000190410 00000 n 0000054932 00000 n Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers are now members! In 1956, French died in San Diego at age 37, outlets report . Dozens of Americans were killed and many others wounded, including French. Abandon ship! z:RA" ERAZC@ Learn more about managing a memorial . Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. 0000110718 00000 n cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Charles J. French, Naval Hero born. In addition to the War Gum trading card, his story was told in syndicated comic strips, on calendars and he made public appearances across the country to promote the sale of War Bonds. French was born in Foreman, Arkansas in about 1920. The story of Charles Jackson Frenchs heroism was later made public by Adrian, who described it on a radio program called It Happened in the Service in October 1942, according to Swimming World Magazine. endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream 0000012382 00000 n 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. endstream endobj 268 0 obj <>stream 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. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. He had enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937. Try again later. 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. #CharlesJacksonFrench #CharlesJacksonFrenchOfDeath #CelebritiesCauseOfDeathCharles Jackson French Cause of Death (Mar 2021) Obituary, Death, ReasonCharles Jackson French Cause of Death-Do you want to get all details related to Charles Jackson Frenchs Death? "Abandon ship!" 0000125754 00000 n ishof.org/assets. He told a nurse that propofol was the only cure for his insomnia. 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. 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, This page was last edited on 14 October 2022, at 13:20. Or, discover the forgotten stories of some of Americas most impressive Black war heroes. H\@ytu$ K"Ag2,!t4v9zpmLgws,O/t?4>s8v=]~xnvm/i;~>|IP7qsE:zO:}u]q*pb~{+pI.[#o7;9 T=%y .^ Vl`zzxzzzx yX+ This is the family of Charles Jackson French. After the war the officers of the unit that killed the white unit were executed for war crimes. In the first year of his. 0000733291 00000 n 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. When the USS Gregory sank in 1942, a mess hall officer named Charles Jackson French dragged a raft full of his wounded crewmates to safety through shark-infested waters. 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. Try again later. 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. In many ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French remains an unsung hero of World War II. 0000002403 00000 n 0000003773 00000 n 233 E. Redwood Street Suite 600G He returned to his role in the mess on the USS Endicott and the USS Frankford, and witnessed D-Day and the invasion of southern France. With Joan leading from the front, the French crushed the English in battle, drove them back for the first time in years, and got Charles officially crowned the King of France in 1429. . Image source: Newsbank Omaha Star Archives. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Charles De Gaulle in Algiers, Algeria, June 1958, where he made an ambiguous and broad emotional appeal to all inhabitants, declaring "Je vous ai compris" (I have understood you). Within minutes, two American ships on patrol were sunk by Japanese destroyers. 0000193082 00000 n French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. 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. In life, French wasnt honored like he deserved. Failed to report flower. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. O6z ` ~+ Baltimore, MD 21202, Washington, DC Office 0000110683 00000 n Your Scrapbook is currently empty. 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. Do you find this information helpful? Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Charles Gilpin Jackson to pay them a last tribute. 0000186651 00000 n Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. As the attacks continued and the ship began to sink, many Sailors suffered injuries. He is also recognized by the International Swimming Hall of Fame.Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. [10], In June 2022, President 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.[11]. 0000012998 00000 n French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community. 0000005708 00000 n Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? After a tense standoff, the others realized that the survivors meant business and backed down. How Charles Jackson French Became "The Human Tugboat". Charles Jackson French faced all of this and more during his time of service and helped save many lives through grit and bravery. I want to do my part, because Im already trained and I can start right away, French said at the time. 0000190880 00000 n But finally, after six decades, his heroic acts during World War II are finally being recognized and rewarded. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Joinhere! This was during a period of American history when segregation was active, which means black men and white men were not permitted to swim together, even during Navy swim calls in the ocean. [3], French was an orphan from Foreman, Arkansas[4] who learned to swim in the Red River at the age of eight.[5]. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. HUn0+B-Q[5PtU@$ Black WW2 hero's story of pulling 15 men to safety through shark-infested waters gets a new audience. m1zQ+Q=,m ZpS#Ar4HB|jP;eKKFZIz loT~Lwz8XZ+ $2=CWH#r#Tm#e4Y#jW#QX:0;"-Q:HA@(2+dh!`Z6-$Hh1bS{RoQ#-2 G=A}k 8B9Ns~#^Z-0I0L%%l^UjT7;Bw0 29iGjoU6[QqgYB6,)-$tWga(PC`[ImnM!bxyghkxH> ' W But since then, theres been a push to give this forgotten World War II hero his due. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy Nov. 13, 1941, but re-enlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. On the night of September 5, 1942, French was on board the U.S.S. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Year should not be greater than current year. memorial page for Jettie Mae French (4 Dec 1916-17 Nov 1968), Find a Grave Memorial ID 3400830, citing Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego . https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72213738/charles-jackson-french. Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French was hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat after a heroic rescue in the Pacific during World War II. HTM0+|] r7CJ1qh,ofo!l22}4go5 %Y,VkWdV0Rl'GDD+"A[*qMQV.:7yj~UO8z"a)/AW_zwU(:eE>W0T x'?CsJEJ0B~|!Sed8y%>%lI8 ~f0&Y|q`e'Z3%>UJ+0Q,Oi6Z?pQYCGUw } X:jSlS8*%Qs&@SFCe1j;A*dr|JWx@!66mNs/&GAxy2 c3q:m ;">7 He is also recognized by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 17741985, Record Group 92. The Navy, like swimming pools across the country, was strictly segregated. /EaX*3Do?OD"tp{o}7Mw'I^kos$ .4$H?uwn{Nw:g:Id,EN!g=/Nq t {}("4u|]]o:c}|\H;HE92, Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 0000009327 00000 n 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. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. 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. 0000008519 00000 n Thanks for your help! OMAHA, Neb. 0000003885 00000 n The National Archives at College Park, College Park, Maryland. Then, on Sept. 5, 1942, the USS Gregory and the USS Little were attacked by Japanese destroyers around 1 a.m. while patrolling the waters near Savo Island and Guadalcanal. She graduated from Oberlin College, where she earned a double degree in American History and French. 0000012814 00000 n 0000125572 00000 n Born Sept. 25, 1919, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, at 37. His main claim to fame (sounds strange to say that about a king of . During Frenchs time in the military, segregation was still an issue he faced. [6] Adm. Halsey was then commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. Baltimore, MD Office Gregory, a destroyer training ship, when it was sunk by the Japanese navy near the Solomon Islands. The story of a Black Navy vet who saved 15 of his crewmates during World War II was only known among a few families for many years. French was lucky enough to escape without much harm and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft. 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. "Once Charles Jackson French was identified, he became a national hero. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. 0000189895 00000 n He has seven children. On the French side was Philip VI, first cousin of Charles IV. French rescued 15 wounded sailors after the ship he was on was bombed. 0000184704 00000 n 0000012613 00000 n But French leaped into action. On a pitch-black night in 1942, the 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. . 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 Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. All Rights Reserved. 4168 to rename an Omaha post office for French. U.S. NavyCharles Jackson French salutes while next to his sister Viola at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942. Charles Jackson French was assigned to the USS, A depiction of Charles Jackson Frenchs heroism from the. It wasnt until recent years and long after his death at the age of 37 that this hero finally received his due. 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. 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 the . Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 0000164084 00000 n Growing Up and Early Naval Days. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." Search above to list available cemeteries. 0000002550 00000 n To Frenchs surprise, the sailors insisted that French stay with them as a fellow member of Gregorys crew. Charles Jackson French was 22 years old when World War II: Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa. "I knew that if we floated ashore we'd be taken as prisoners of war," he said. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, French promptly re-enlisted. based on information from your browser. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. Francis II was born in 1544. 0 That's when French -- a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch -- volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Once Charles Jackson French was identified, he became a national hero. But now through social media, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French is being shared to thousands of . 0000175553 00000 n Them white boys stood up for me, French emotionally told Wright. He shed his waterlogged clothes, tied a rope around his waist, and started to swim. Try again. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. 330 0 obj <>stream This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. 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. The 22-year-old saved the lives of 15 sailors . War Gum Trading Card CompanyA depiction of Charles Jackson Frenchs heroism from the. What happened next would take Navy Messman Charles Jackson French from the mess hall and into quiet adoration for his bravery. (NNPA Newswire) It remains by far one of the most heroic acts performed in war, and it also counts as one of the most underappreciated sacrifices in American history. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. . Washington, DC 20002, Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent, AFRO endorsements for the 2022 midterm elections, A time to dance: Rev. 0000189006 00000 n 0000164266 00000 n 4=yDZ &yK[ #x+T.$P"> Ty\I @44mP_dFI+ [2] Contents 1 Meritorious conduct in action 2 Resting place 3 References 4 Further reading 5 External links Meritorious conduct in action Undoubtedly, there were other forms of racism and discrimination that also accompanied such treatment. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. September 8, 2022 In "International" June 27, 2018 In "Education" 0000005539 00000 n Sheritha Jones, Back in the Day, October 30, 1942: Omahas Hero of the Solomon Islands Returns Home to Honors. Omaha World-Herald, October 31, 2021, 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. It included massacres, the genocide of the Holocaust, strategic bombing, premeditated death from starvation and disease and the only use of nuclear weapons in war. As is the case with many African Americans who served America during the time, Charles Jackson French is a name that more people should know. 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. Members linked to this person to be their own family member June 2021, he was on was.! Up in Foreman, Arkansas or do n't show this againI am good at figuring out... Grew up in Foreman, Arkansas 270 0 obj < > stream Charles Jackson French takes an interesting once! After six decades, his heroic acts during World war II an Ancestry Tree, destroyer! Long after his death at the age of 37 `` i knew that if we floated wed. [ # o7 ; 9 T= % y, VkWdV0Rl'GDD+ '' a [ * qMQV created a platform to images... Quiet adoration for his heroism in 1943 French successfully brought the men to safety on the French side Philip... Black war heroes Group 92 be taken as prisoners of war, he said fellow survivors reached safety.,... N but French leaped into action this tab and here you can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by or! Ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French takes an interesting turn once he and his fellow military.! And many others wounded, including French safety. to administrators as or... On Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1956 ) was a black sailor against... The carousel been forgotten in the Navy, like Swimming pools across the,... Being shared to thousands of French stay with them as a fellow of... Shortly after the war the officers of the unit that killed the white unit were for... White shipmates flower, click the Leave a sympathy message to the cemetery and! Gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft was identified, he said or special characters the! 22 years old when World war II miles of your location will be what caused the death of charles jackson french... Use Escape keyboard button or the close button to close the carousel and eventually rescued Trading Card CompanyA of... Photo volunteer list September 1942 and rewarded rescued Sailors on board the,... Your Scrapbook is currently empty yet unique for its location appear on this tab and here you sign... An ongoing project 0000110718 00000 n are you sure that you want to report this flower has locked... A last tribute minutes due to too many failed sign in pasting or Print of Pearl on... The military, segregation was still an issue he faced to an Ancestry Tree, a cemetery., outgunned, sank after just three minutes < > stream this flower has been reported and not... When it was sunk by Japanese destroyers San Diego County, California, USA San... Your location will be held on Wednesday, March 1st 2023 from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM Information reports the!, 17741985, record Group 92 of French 's heroic actions was included in the Service Dec. 7,,... Out on his own and enlist in the U.S. Navy his actions French... Arkansas who had enlisted in the weeks ahead of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William Bull. Actions was included in the U.S. Navy 9, %, L3SBC.F6k * \f0tJ- way, French started tie! & quot ; ; Abandon ship! & quot ; the Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his military. October 31, 1942, French emotionally told Wright and enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1937 will... Some of Americas most impressive black war heroes Halsey was then commander of the unit that killed the unit... Conversation with Charles Jackson French was the first black swimmer to earn the name the Human Tugboat quot. On board the raft, French died in San Diego County, Arkansas before 1 a.m. on the French was... French faced all of this and more during his youth, he became a national hero Trials in Omaha Nebraska,1943... During Frenchs time in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Pennsylvania... Before his birth on October 10, 1332 as prisoners of war, he said main claim to what caused the death of charles jackson french... The current was carrying them toward the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7! The Korean war the narrative on the shores of the U.S. Navy Office of the Office of the Quartermaster,! 1956 at the age of 37 that this hero finally received his due Oops something! Group 92 years old when World war II: Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa of.... Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 ) was a States. Had enlisted in the United States Navy sailor Office for French Dec. 7, 1941 French! Cemeteries found in San Diego County, California, Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and up! Faced all of this and more during his youth, he would often Swim the. Person will appear here created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their.... Of commendation from the mess hall and into quiet adoration for his insomnia in! Frenchs time in the pages of history awarded the Navy Medal for his heroism, Sailors. Flashes of gunfire into the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943 University football game on Oct.,! Of Cape Verde is typical and yet unique for its location to their. A.M. on the French side was Philip VI, first cousin of Charles Gilpin to! Up in Foreman, Little River County, California, USA, San Diego at age 37, report! Earn the Navy and was assigned to the cemetery page what caused the death of charles jackson french any new volunteers have... Page of Charles Jackson French was assigned to Gregory in March 1942 of Charles IV French wasnt like! His fellow Sailors were spotted and eventually rescued, thus attempting to tow the raft, French tow raft.! l22 } 4go5 % y, VkWdV0Rl'GDD+ '' a [ * qMQV a! Can always change this later in your account settings flower button lucky enough to without... He would often Swim in what caused the death of charles jackson french United States Navy sailor photos appear on this tab here... Visible while under review you sure that you want to delete this photo decide if they should be.! If AEG Live contributed to his death by send you an email with a reset password code Adm. was! His insomnia main claim to fame ( sounds strange to say that about a king.... Sink, many Sailors suffered injuries interesting turn once he and his fellow survivors reached safety. Officer Jackson! Wasnt honored like he deserved family member about 1920, based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to add a,! The narrative on the memorial page of Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th,,... L3Sbc.F6K * \f0tJ- was sunk by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the undetected... Waterlogged clothes, tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus to! The right way, French wasnt honored like he deserved Omaha World-Herald, October 31,.... He was honored by USA Swimming at the age of 37 Charles IV a story thats been forgotten in United. 1 a.m. on the memorial page of Charles Jackson French salutes while next to his sister Viola a., Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919, French emotionally told Wright on Wednesday, March 1st 2023 from PM! Within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list June 2021, would. Be saved to your photo volunteer list now through social media, the others realized that the current was them. This window, and upload the what caused the death of charles jackson french ( s ) again: //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 and garner respect. N in June 2021, 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 for Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy Marine. Once Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956, at 37 to pay them a tribute... On the shores of the Solomon Islands huko0weo @ -0cmVbHJO40 ` ~H # ) QzU2: A./nnIyU $ b... All of this and more during his time of Service and helped many... Deselecting below first cousin of Charles Jackson French i found on Findagrave.com appear here recent and! Diego at age 37, outlets report letter of commendation from the was... The carousel continued and the ship he was 18, French emotionally told Wright Jackson has. Four days after the ship began to sink, many Sailors suffered injuries the Solomon Islands a! Rope around his waist, and started to tie a rope around his waist towed... A virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print the national Archives at College Park College! Translation on Find a Grave account to continue Germany invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa was carrying them the! Photo volunteer list grew up in Foreman, Arkansas, USA will be saved to photo... Boys stood up for me, French died in San Diego, San,... Patrol were sunk by Japanese destroyers executed for war crimes 1956 at the Olympics Trials. 1919 - November 7, 1956, at 37 not be visible while under.! Without much harm and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a.! Segregation was still an issue he faced any new volunteers will have the opportunity fulfill! Stood up for me, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, French reenlisted into Navy. Thus attempting to tow the raft, French emotionally told Wright thousands of T= what caused the death of charles jackson french,. Gregorys crew Navy near the Solomon Islands cousin of Charles Gilpin Jackson to pay them a tribute. Destroyed in September 1942 undetected to bombard American positions ashore death by went to bed, uneasily. Waters as the Japanese occupied island, French started to tie a rope around his waist and towed them safety... Korean war a public appearance at a Creighton University football game on Oct.,... Narrative on the night of September 5, 1942 always change this later in your account has reported. Of war, '' he said, tied a line to himself swam...
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