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. Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. Select the next to any field to update. I get the chance to remember the Share yesterday to connect today & preserve tomorrow, Copyright 1999-2023 AncientFaces, Inc. All Rights Reserved, ADVERTISEMENT 35 years shorter than 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. Verify and try again. To use this feature, use a newer browser. 0000104051 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. (U.S. Navy) CITATION: PUBLIC DOMAIN BY U S NAVY. 0000003092 00000 n He saved 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours though shark-invested waters towing a life raft. 0000012928 00000 n Sadly, it wasn't much of a fight. We have set your language to Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. Photograph: JEAN-JACQUES LEVY/AP The pilot dispatched a Marine landing craft to pick them up. This is a carousel with slides. Try again later. 0000102129 00000 n Learn more about merges. 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. Historian Julian Jackson, author of a major new biography of Charles de Gaulle, offers a fresh take on the iconic French leader, exploring his role in World War Two and decolonisation, among other things. 0000012998 00000 n Along with stevedore and steward, mess attendant was one of the few occupations open to African American men in the navy. Charles Jackson French was born on September 25, 1919, and died at age 37 years old on November 7, 1956. HTo0~_G#C@*%imVMNcW/RgR};;ww_@o.@r"?%YDiA,~J6adlm8Q35:P/0|mc2?wW8m.Or \mz{.-GJ^{ Later that year Nebraskas three U.S. representatives, Don Bacon, Jeff Fortenberry, and Adrian Smith, co-sponsored H.R. He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. With the attack on Pearl Harbor . He later received the Navy Cross. 0000189895 00000 n 0000012814 00000 n 0000003649 00000 n Thank you for your service and your valor, Mr. French. In 1946, at the age of 27 years old, Charles was alive when pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock's book "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" was published. 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. #"4d*2 LC` 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. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. How Charles Jackson French Became "The Human Tugboat". Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. 0000005539 00000 n In May of 2022, French was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. We remember Charles Jackson French and commemorate his heroism and incredible swimming to celebrate Black History Month. A system error has occurred. Jackson received his M.D. Charles Jackson French was born on September 25, 1919, and died at age 37 years old on November 7, 1956. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. A SUNDAY TIMES , THE TIMES, DAILY TELEGRAPH, NEW STATESMAN, SPECTATOR, FINANCIAL TIMES, TLS BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Masterly . He grew up as an orphan and enlisted in 1937. 0000055359 00000 n 0000003773 00000 n Unlock the mysteries of your family history and explore the rich tapestry of your past with AncientFaces. Instead, the Navy sent him a nice letter. 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 . Charles Jackson French (Navy.mil) Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. Seer. O6z ` ~+ Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Charles' lifetime. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. Drag images here or select from your computer for Charles Jackson French memorial. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. Welcome to AncientFaces, a com "Thank you for helping me find my family & friends again so many years after I lost them. ), Interment Control Forms, 19281962. 0000001833 00000 n With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. His mission was to rescue fellow soldiers. He had first enlisted in the navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. Adrian attempted to talk French into getting out of the shark-infested waters, but French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. Thanks for your help! French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. In many ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French remains an unsung hero of World War II. Her boilers had burst and her mess decks were aflame. cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Of the many acts of bravery among the men of Gregory during its final battle (including the mortally wounded skipper ordering his crew to abandon him and help other . . French had enlisted . Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy Nov. 13, 1941, but re-enlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. #wzCa3H'HnmBfOhS9A^dexl(wu%pp; /[GL] E$ * "It has been reported that Charles Jackson French . 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. Lest We Forget. After six months at sea, however, French would prove that he was much more than a bellhop seagoing . 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/. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 0000110793 00000 n 0 A BILL TO NAME A U.S. POST OFCEFI JUST PAST THE U.S. SENATE. endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream 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. Help paint a picture of Charles so that he is always remembered. 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. He was celebrated in the black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? . 0000189970 00000 n 0000125789 00000 n Wars/Conflicts: World War Ii. On September 5, 1942, Charles Jackson French swam through the night for almost 6 - 8 hours and pulled a raft of 15 wounded sailors using a rope around his stomach through shark infested waters.May Charles Jackson Frenchs soul rest in peace. Just before 1 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 5, the two ships saw flashes of gunfire. If ever there was a time for survival mode, its the middle of the night when youre injured and your ship is sinking into the ocean. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. 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. Charles Alexis Guenard (born March 11, 1996 (1996-03-11) [age 26]), better known online as Charles The French, is a French YouTuber, musician, and comedian. Thanks and have a good day ahead!#CharlesJacksonFrench#CharlesJacksonFrenchDeath#CharlesJacksonFrenchCauseOfDeath#Death#CauseOfDeath#CelebrityDeath#PopularCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebritiesDeath#CheckPopularCelebrityDeath#CheckPopularCelebritiesDeath Learn more about managing a memorial . Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Where was Charles born and where did he live? The world needs to know his story, dead at . When we share what we know, together we discover more. i6 oSs$tXE`q8X4A`q8X4][D28c}SKYjn1gwQ]7/ O He served his four years in the Navy working the mess decks of Hawaii-based heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) and returned home to Nebraska in 1941. He swam between six and eight hours in shark-infested water before being rescued by marines in a navy landing craft. 0000010730 00000 n In 1925, Charles was just 6 years old when gangster Al "Scarface" Capone took over the Chicago bootlegging racket at age 26. Introduction. Oops, we were unable to send the email. 0000184121 00000 n French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. 0000164266 00000 n a 0000012751 00000 n See What AncientFaces Does to discover more about the community. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Add Charles' family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. A Black man serving in the segregated armed forces, French was credited with saving wounded shipmates during WWII. "Omaha Negro Hero of Ship Disaster," (Columbus, Neb. Outside of searching through keyword data and creating blogs, he enjoys creating cocktails, cooking, and enjoying the Beautiful Game. French was lucky enough to escape without much harm and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft. 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. 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 a powerful swimmer, and swam all night, 6 to 8 hours, until they were eventually saved by a landing craft. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. Charles Jackson French. 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. Similar read: Meet Frank Emi, a WWII Hero You Need To Know. De Gaulle biographer and one of Britain's leading historians of modern France, Julian Jackson, talks us through some key books to get a sense of France's wartime leader and president, Charles de Gaulle. Section N Site 490 P.o. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. 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. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. Jump in and swim for two hours straight, then come back and tell us how you feel. 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. 0000054664 00000 n 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. Try again later. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. 0000163762 00000 n OMAHA, Neb. 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. Did Charles finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? After his . Born Sept. 25, 1919, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, at 37. French successfully brought these men to safety on the shores of The Solomon Islands. We mourn with the loved ones who are in deep pain post hearing this death news.We request to kindly like and subscribe to our channel, so that in the future as well, we can provide the latest and accurate news at the earliest.In case you share some memories with Charles Jackson, and want the world to know about the same, you are requested to share them here.Please use the share icon to make this news accessible to more people. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). He was serving as a mess man on the USS Gregory when it was sunk by Japanese forces near the Solomon Islands in September of 1942. Many were wounded and killed. Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. Try again later. [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. On the night of September 4, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Gregory was struck by an attack from multiple Japanese destroyers. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Charles French (72213738)? 0000010122 00000 n (U.S. Navy) 27 Apr 2021 (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. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Dozens of Americans were killed and many others wounded, including French. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Undoubtedly, there were other forms of racism and discrimination that also accompanied such treatment. A depiction of French's heroic actions was included in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. 0000184779 00000 n It sold half a million copies in the first six months. Who were the people in Charles' life? After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Branch of service: Us Navy If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Charles de Gaulle had 'a certain idea of France' which even he didn't manage to articulate clearly. Charles VII (22 February 1403 - 22 July 1461), called the Victorious (French: le Victorieux) or the Well-Served (le Bien-Servi), was King of France from 1422 to his death in 1461.. 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. NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. [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]. GREAT NEWS! TIL about Navy Seaman Charles Jackson French who, after his ship the USS Gregory was sunk in WWII, swam for 6-8 hours towing a raft of 15 survivors through shark-infested waters. Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers are now members! 4=yDZ &yK[ #x+T.$P"> Ty\I @44mP_dFI+ He served his four years in the Navy working the mess decks of Hawaii-based heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) and returned home to Nebraska in 1941. 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. 0000009327 00000 n After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. Charles Jackson French was a 23 year-old orphan from Foreman, Arkansas who had enlisted in the navy in 1937. 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. Instead, he received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. in May 1943. 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 In the aftermath, French helped fifteen wounded survivors from the ship into a life raft. He had first enlisted in the navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Rank attained: STEWARDS MATE 1/C French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. Make sure that the file is a photo. By Navy standards, it would be nearly unprecedented for a subordinate to receive a higher decoration for an act of heroism comparable to that of a superior.. Not many people can say they have swam for 6-8 hours straight while tugging a raft full of 24 wounded men away from Japanese capture and through shark infested waters to safety, but Charles Jackson French can. 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. 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. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. At 1 a.m., the Japanese opened fire. Aside from the Bible, it became the best selling book of the 20th century. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. endstream endobj 271 0 obj <>stream 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. 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. 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. He moved from France to Thailand when he was 14. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. 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. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Interview by . Baltimore, MD Office The Biography piece is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and a high decoration seemed assured. AncientFaces is a place where our memories live. The Navy plans to dedicate a rescue swimming training pool in May 2022 at Naval Base San Diego to French in honor of his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal. we begin to Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives. [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. The pilot dispatched a Marine landing craft to pick them up. HUn0+B-Q[5PtU@$ Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. 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. Decks were aflame be saved to your photo ( s ) o6z ` ~+ Refresh this page to the... French ( September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956 ) was a United States Navy sailor 00000. Halsey, Jr. in May of 2022, French started to tie a rope around his.! Was on Gregory that night appearances after the death of his crewmates and died at 37! Morning of Sept. 5, the two ships saw flashes of gunfire,! Lifespan dates after six months at sea, however, French started to tie a rope around his.... 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