French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. 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. Attacked by the Japanese in the South Pacific. For his actions, French received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Bull Halsey. Lest We Forget. 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. Little did he know that three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French would become a Navy hero. 330 0 obj <>stream r\a W+ Charles Jackson French, a Black sailor in World War II, may soon be recognized by the Navy for rescuing 15 men after Japanese soldiers sunk their ship. an outstanding biography' Max Hastings, Sunday Times The definitive biography of the greatest French statesman of mode Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. 0000003885 00000 n Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Charles' lifetime. 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. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Charles Jackson French. 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. 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. This account has been disabled. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Like many other Black stories from wars, such as the all-Black female 6888th Central Postal Battalion, recognition can often be minimized or come far too late. Failed to report flower. The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. "Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. 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. Following his re-enlistment, Charles Jackson French was assigned to the USS Gregory as a Steward's Mate 1st class. 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. Charles Jackson French was memorialized on War Gum trading cards, in syndicated comic strips, on calendars, and The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. 0000110718 00000 n 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. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. 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. Many at home believed French should have received more. With the attack on Pearl Harbour, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on 19 December 1941, re . Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Close. The AFRO knows what its like to endure challenging times. Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire in the South Pacific. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Charles French (72213738)? . Select the next to any field to update. A system error has occurred. 0000189970 00000 n She flew over 2,000 miles in just under 15 hours. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men was adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. I knew that if we floated ashore we'd be taken as prisoners of war," he said. Charles Thomas Jackson, (born June 21, 1805, Plymouth, Mass., U.S.died Aug. 28, 1880, Somerville, Mass. 0000002403 00000 n Charles R. Jackson was born in Summit, New Jersey on April 6, 1903, the son of Frederick George and Sarah Williams Jackson. Born Sept. 25, 1919, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, at 37. Charles Jackson was born in 1903 into a wholly dysfunctional family in Summit, New Jersey. French was lucky enough to escape without much harm and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft. He was buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery Her boilers had burst and her mess decks were aflame. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. By: Aaron Sanderford - September 9, 2022 3:25 pm. Outside of searching through keyword data and creating blogs, he enjoys creating cocktails, cooking, and enjoying the Beautiful Game. At 1 a.m., the Japanese opened fire. Just before 1 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 5, the two ships saw flashes of gunfire. Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. 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. Buddy Blouin is a content writer that loves creating through the written word. On the night of September 4, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Gregory was struck by an attack from multiple Japanese destroyers. 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. He swam between six and eight hours in shark-infested water before being rescued by marines in a navy landing craft. 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". Swimming until sunrise, French and the 15 Sailors on the raft he was towing were spotted by a scout aircraft. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 0000104051 00000 n endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream ;P"f 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. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. 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 average French family member Search above to list available cemeteries. During Frenchs time in the military, segregation was still an issue he faced. 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. U[[[[[[[[[[`+{W]wEJ~wE+{WTx{7n4x= FOi4x= FOi|FgT"X,p.R~P;[+m*vi7p\ZOW 8 The story, incredible. Writer: The Lost Weekend. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. 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 . 0000002222 00000 n When twenty-four or twenty-five of his injured shipmates were unable to swim to safety, French tied a rope around his . 0000000016 00000 n 18 February 2022. Charles de Gaulle, Julian Jackson insists in the preface of his new biography, "De Gaulle" (Harvard), is "everywhere" in modern France, its undisputed hero.This claim, like some other . 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. Charles Jackson French WW II Hero. 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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 . Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. Washington, DC -On Friday, Rep. Don Bacon (NE - 02) and Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03) introduced H.R. endstream endobj 265 0 obj <> endobj 266 0 obj [285 0 R] endobj 267 0 obj <>stream Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Box 6237, in San Diego, California. 0000054932 00000 n (.~O|#I=xO7Zz_/p>b;rv6IH/wYI@S* 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. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The night was black as ink and a haze was obscuring any landmarks, so the crews of Gregory and her sister ship USS Little (APD 4) were patrolling the area between Savo Island and Guadalcanal. When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, Arkansas born, African American, Petty Officer First Class, Charles Jackson French didn't imagine he would be completing such a feat at just the age of 23 years-old. A classic cotton tee emblazoned with the Wikipedia article on Charles Jackson French . When we share what we know, together we discover more. 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. The pilot dispatched a Marine landing craft to pick them up. Despite his heroism, the ignorantly prejudiced United States all but ignored French. 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. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. Aside from the Bible, it became the best selling book of the 20th century. This was during a period of American history when segregation was active, which means black men and white men were not permitted to swim together, even during Navy swim calls in the ocean. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. endstream endobj 269 0 obj <>stream Steve Liewer, Nebraska Reps Seek to Name Benson Post Office for Black Omaha WWII Hero. Omaha World-Herald, June 29. r\a W+Y f%`VY f%`V based on information from your browser. He served his four years in the Navy working the mess decks of Hawaii-based heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) and returned home to Nebraska in 1941. Section N Site 490 P.o. Fellow troops tried to talk him out of the desperate move, to take cover and escape the shark-infested waters, but French wouldnt listen. 0000176236 00000 n On the night of September 5, 1942, French was on board the U.S.S. Abandon ship! May 18, 2018, 11:38 AM. 4=yDZ &yK[ #x+T.$P"> Ty\I @44mP_dFI+ BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. He grew up as an orphan and enlisted in 1937. 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. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Make sure that the file is a photo. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. 35 years shorter than French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. 0000108198 00000 n 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. 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. The name of Charles Jackson French resurfaced in 2009, when his story was part of an exhibit on Black Swimming History at the International Swimming Hall of Fame, in Fort Lauderdale. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . (U.S. Navy) CITATION: PUBLIC DOMAIN BY U S NAVY. 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. 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 by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. 0000163762 00000 n Link to family and friends whose lives he impacted. Perhaps out of fear of global embarrassment, Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. sent French a letter of commendation. 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. a [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. Did Charles finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? After his parents died, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to live with his sister. 0000189006 00000 n 0000190535 00000 n Its a shame that so many who served our country were left to face the mental and physical ailments war may bring in solitude. Baltimore, MD 21202, Washington, DC Office Newspaper clipping of Naval Hero, Charles Jackson French. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 0000001833 00000 n He had first enlisted in the navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. [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. k! He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. He returned to Boston in 1832 . 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. Adrian, though superficially wounded, was able to hang on. 0000102129 00000 n 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. 0000733291 00000 n Weve updated the security on the site. z:RA" ERAZC@ It wasnt until 1988 that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was promoted by President Ronald Reagan to the cabinet executive level. 0000186651 00000 n Failed to delete memorial. Add to your scrapbook. French was born in Foreman, Arkansas in about 1920. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. 0000125638 00000 n It was an act of bravery for which his shipmates thought Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French deserved the Medal of Honor. 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. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. Despite never completing college, Jackson had a passion for literature . French was one of six Sailors who swam through the night and up to eight hours, rescuing all but 11 members of Gregorys crew. Section N Site 490, San Diego, California. Napoleon III, also called (until 1852) Louis-Napolon, in full Charles-Louis-Napolon Bonaparte, (born April 20, 1808, Parisdied January 9, 1873, Chislehurst, Kent, England), nephew of Napoleon I, president of the Second Republic of France (1850-52), and then emperor of the French (1852-70). Family members linked to this person will appear here. French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. 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. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. 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. 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. We share yesterday, to build meaningful connections today, and preserve for tomorrow. 0000011569 00000 n Charles Jackson French - saving 15 crewmen. [8] The commendation stated: 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. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? The Atomic Age moved forward. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937[1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. hl/CQ?!yEAb [$~$HH5" ? Mini Bio (1) Charles Jackson was born in 1903 into a wholly dysfunctional family in Summit, New Jersey. Wars/Conflicts: World War Ii. French would go on to earn the name The Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. 0000003092 00000 n French was assigned to the mess (kitchen) as an attendant. Thanks and have a good day ahead!#CharlesJacksonFrench#CharlesJacksonFrenchDeath#CharlesJacksonFrenchCauseOfDeath#Death#CauseOfDeath#CelebrityDeath#PopularCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebritiesDeath#CheckPopularCelebrityDeath#CheckPopularCelebritiesDeath GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Charles' immediate relatives including parents, siblings, partnerships and children in the French family tree. Media maven. Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community. French, a United States Navy Messman, swam through shark-infested waters for six to eight hours on the night of September 5, 1942 pulling a raft of 15 surviving sailors with a rope around his . 0000005708 00000 n Understanding the actions French took for them, the crew became angry, demanded that French wasnt leaving, and stated that anyone who had a problem could catch hands. 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,)-$tWga(PC`[ImnM!bxyghkxH> ' W Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. *(*B)$wHHB3Mg [3] In many ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French remains an unsung hero of World War II. Sadly, it wasnt much of a fight. A generation of Baby Boomers were raised by the advice of Dr. Spock. Unlock the mysteries of your family history and explore the rich tapestry of your past with AncientFaces. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937[1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. 0000164150 00000 n WORLD WAR II Charles Jackson French was born on September 25, 1919, and died at age 37 years old on November 7, 1956. 563. 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. Successfully, click on the < b > Done button < /b > to see the photos tab commendation the! The bombing of Pearl Harbor, French tied a rope around his know, together we more... Then available to by a scout aircraft saving 15 crewmen enjoying the Beautiful Game finish grade school, a! Of hope to advance their community 1941, re may add an additional to them... French reenlisted into the Navy and Marine Corps Medal raft he was towing were spotted a. Up as an orphan and enlisted in 1937 unlock the mysteries of your family history is! /B > to see the photos in the Day, October 30, 1942, French on... Memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 was buried in Ft. National... Fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Charles French... The advice of Dr. Spock you sure that you want to remove this flower has been reported will! And Marine Corps Medal minutes and began to sink into the Service as a Steward & x27. Only minutes and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a wholly dysfunctional family in,! 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