I know that lots of guys missed out on medals for one reason or another, but for him to be recognized at the time for risking life (from nature) to avoid having his companions killed by direct action or by being taken prisoner of the Japanese and to just get a letter seems more than just an over-site. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. This man did as much if not more than a medic often does to save 15 of his comrades from capture, while being actively shelled, in shark infested waters. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. 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. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. Additionally, it has continued to pursue advocacy objectives that are in line with policies and plans pertaining to veterans of African heritage. According to VSC President Robert Barnette, black veterans have made important contributions over the years to the military might of this country. 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. 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. 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. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. To see the posts, click here. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan, and championship-caliber swimmer navigated shark infested waters for about eight hours during. Dismiss. In her pitch, Thomas said, to politicians: If ever youve needed a moment that says, I can look past party and politics and everything else going on in the world, this is it. . He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. 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. If the Navy and Marine Corps Medal is appropriate for Frenchs action, and by any objective measure it would be, then he ought to get the Navy Cross of MOH. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. French was a swimmer who performed a. Navy Chief of Information Rear Adm. Charles Brown retweeted the post, thanking Nance for highlighting Frenchs heroic story and promising to work with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday to see whether the service could do anything more to recognize the sailor. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Charles Denver Barger (June 3, 1892 - November 25, 1936) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War I.He earned the medal while serving as a Chauchat automatic rifle gunner during the Meuse-Argonne offensive, when he and another soldier, Jesse N. Funk, entered no man's land despite . He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. 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 . 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. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. 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. Continue to scroll for fascinating Videos and Books to enhance your learning experience. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. 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. On November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California, Charles Jackson French, 37 at the time, died. There is no way a man with a set of brass balls the size of what PO1 French possessed could float, let alone tow a raft. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change The server is misbehaving. 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. I say MOH. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, Harris said. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Omaha hailed hometown hero Charles Jackson French back in 1942, when the African American mess steward saved the lives of his shipmates after their destroyer was sunk in the World War II battle of the Solomon Islands. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Omaha, NE, 68182. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. The French and five other brave sailors swam for up to eight hours to rescue all but eleven of the crew after they were stranded on the sea. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Despite the fact that the Medal of Honor is extremely rare, it can be received twice. But French said he wasnt afraid. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. Research is spotty, Nebraska high school boys basketball state tournament schedule, Medal sought for Black WWII sailor from Omaha lauded as hero, then forgotten, Back in the day, Oct. 30, 1942: Omaha's 'Hero of the Solomon Islands' returns home to honors, Plan to rename Benson post office after Black World War II hero clears House, Offutt lab seeks to identify soldiers who fought and died in segregated unit in WWII, Black WWII Army hero with ties to Boys Town featured in new graphic novel, Air Force Global Strike chief tabbed to be next StratCom leader, Editorial: Nebraskans have a track record of coming together for the common good, Omaha sailor killed in WWII will be added to Memorial Park monument during Vets Day event, Virginia woman seeks Medal of Honor for Black Navy WWII heroes, including Omaha's French, UNO honors Black WWII sailor as 'Hero of the Heartland', Metro CC may take over Marine Corps base at Fort Omaha campus, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, Ukraine will join NATO but in 'long- term', says NATO chief Stoltenberg, Finland begins building fence along Russia border. 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. . French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. towing a boat of wounded survivors by himself i.imgur.com/P1mQDe. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? 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. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. We depend on your support and thank you for it! He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. 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. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. That led to recognition during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials held in Omaha in 2021. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. 1 of 5. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. 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