charles jackson french biographycharles jackson french biography

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. Interview by . Lest We Forget. By the feat, French should have become the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroic feat in 1943, however, he was denied the Medal of Honor or Silver Star. This he was denied, though for a brief moment in the mid-1940s . Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. Interment Control Forms, A1 2110-B. Charles R. Jackson. Thinking the flashes came from Japanese submarines, the pilot dropped a line of five flares in the water. French enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years. Charles Jackson French was born Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Ark., and moved to Omaha to live with a sister after their parents died. French had enlisted . Thanks for your help! He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at Regardless of the region, at all the bases there were separate blood banks, hospitals or wards, medical staff, barracks and recreational facilities for Black soldiers. Try again later. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Failed to delete memorial. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Make sure that the file is a photo. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Charles Jackson French is a World War II hero with Omaha ties that few people know about. He died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California; he was only 37 years old. startxref French was born in Foreman, Arkansas in about 1920. In many ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French remains an unsung hero of World War II. and you'll be alerted when others do the same. [3], French was an orphan from Foreman, Arkansas[4] who learned to swim in the Red River at the age of eight.[5]. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. 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. Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. French was also the only African American to appear on World War II patriotic trading cards issued by GUM, Inc. After his military service, French suffered from alcoholism and depression. After a tense standoff, the others realized that the survivors meant business and backed down. 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. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy Nov. 13, 1941, but re-enlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 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. Gibson Johns. On the night of September 4, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Gregory was struck by an attack from multiple Japanese destroyers. 0000102129 00000 n He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Charles French was buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery French was a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas, Sept. 25, 1919. Oops, we were unable to send the email. He was born to a Thai mother and a French father. 0000110559 00000 n [9], French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions. Branch of service: Us Navy The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. In June 2021, he was honored by USA Swimming at the Olympics Swim Trials in Omaha. His mission was to rescue fellow soldiers. 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. WORLD WAR II (U.S. Navy) 27 Apr 2021 Charles Jackson French was born Sept. 25, 1919, in Foreman, Ark., and moved to Omaha to live with a sister after their parents died. He said that he was more afraid of the Japanese shooting at him than the sharks, and he continued on his way. HTo0~_G#C@*%imVMNcW/RgR};;ww_@o.@r"?%YDiA,~J6adlm8Q35:P/0|mc2?wW8m.Or \mz{.-GJ^{ Three Japanese destroyers Ydachi, Hatsuyuki, and Murakumo came into the Slot undetected to bombard American positions ashore. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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/. Did Charles finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? an outstanding biography' Max Hastings, Sunday Times The definitive biography of the greatest French statesman of mode 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. 0000102179 00000 n 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. He moved from France to Thailand when he was 14. 0000106326 00000 n [6][7] For this action, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. in May 1943. 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 have chosen this person to be their own family member. Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. A depiction of French's heroic actions was included in the WWII Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. 0000110793 00000 n cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 0000110718 00000 n Dozens of Americans were killed and many others wounded, including French. This account has been disabled. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Charles French (72213738)? 0000190410 00000 n 0000012814 00000 n Thanks and have a good day ahead!#CharlesJacksonFrench#CharlesJacksonFrenchDeath#CharlesJacksonFrenchCauseOfDeath#Death#CauseOfDeath#CelebrityDeath#PopularCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebrityDeath#CheckCelebritiesDeath#CheckPopularCelebrityDeath#CheckPopularCelebritiesDeath The award was presented on May 21, 2022, at Naval Base San Diego, at a ceremony in which the base's rescue swimmer training pool was dedicated in French's honor. Charles Jackson, one of the most successful failures in American letters, wished as fiercely as any writer for literary immortality. Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French, known only at the time by his last name, was on Gregory that night. 0000125864 00000 n It wasnt until 1988 that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was promoted by President Ronald Reagan to the cabinet executive level. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Help paint a picture of Charles so that he is always remembered. 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. 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. 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 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.. 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. 0000164084 00000 n Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. Dr. Frances Toni Draper announces retirement from pastorship at Freedom Temple AME Zion Church, 130 years of excellence: AFRO Gala set to kick anniversary celebration into high gear. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. He returned to Boston in 1832 . Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. 4,972 birth records, View O6z ` ~+ 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. The first is unexpected: on a leisurely ride in 1916, Jackson's older sister and younger brother are killed when a train strikes their car. Sadly, it wasnt much of a fight. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Little did he know that three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French would become a Navy hero. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. nv]Ps;d4=;.%6HF>|m}hQIk5C).vH x3F:D0efNyh>x?EKJR1Vr #i DD2o0P_zsYje!o,V French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. . There is a problem with your email/password. The New York Stock Exchange, is an American stock exchange located at 11 Wall . French was lucky enough to escape without much harm and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft. /EaX*3Do?OD"tp{o}7Mw'I^kos$ .4$H?uwn{Nw:g:Id,EN!g=/Nq t {}("4u|]]o:c}|\H;HE92, Fellow troops tried to talk him out of the desperate move, to take cover and escape the shark-infested waters, but French wouldnt listen. She flew over 2,000 miles in just under 15 hours. "Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. <<4EEFF01CF8009C438CF4B522CFC4463C>]/Prev 1234002/XRefStm 2222>> 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. Oops, something didn't work. He received an honorable discharge on November 11, 1941, but re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor. Lest We Forget. The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. Steve Liewer, Nebraska Reps Seek to Name Benson Post Office for Black Omaha WWII Hero. Omaha World-Herald, June 29. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. For his bravery, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French was provided a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Bull Halsey, the Commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, and the Navy Cross, the second-highest award available. 0000010538 00000 n 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 . 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. HUKo0WEo@-0cmVbHJO40`~H#)QzU2:A./nnIyU$"b}V$9,%,L3SBC.F6k*\f0tJ-. He was a powerful swimmer, and swam all night, 6 to 8 hours, until they were eventually saved by a landing craft. More like this: New Study Surfaces Detailing Racial Discrimination in the Military, Filed Under: Military History Tagged With: Black military history, Charles Jackson French, Navy. He later received the Navy Cross. Charles Jackson French - saving 15 crewmen. Instead, he received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. in May 1943. Charles "Chuck" French passed away April 21, 2021, at the age of 74. 0000005539 00000 n Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 0000101669 00000 n He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." With the attack on Pearl Harbor, French went to the closest recruitment office, and on December 19, 1941, re-enlisted in the United States Navy. Understanding the actions French took for them, the crew became angry, demanded that French wasnt leaving, and stated that anyone who had a problem could catch hands. The 22-year-old saved the lives of 15 sailors . Subject specific information for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media, An official website of the United States government. hbbg`b``3 & 0000001833 00000 n The story, incredible. Archived. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. May 18, 2018, 11:38 AM. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. On September 5, 1942, U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French navigated through shark-infested waters with a rope around his waist, towing 15 wounded sailors to safety from the . we begin to Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. HUmo0/Fj'C&ThnR34M&-83(>g9t&i&M$]u8#J"I+K*$eS,tY9Jw*/dZZdW+uES3 n %}*ht0.x'AK){O"Nui -4Rdm9X{H$gU~7V;"~[L;ubr=@xd 0000125638 00000 n Still, the man that we know and remember is one whos a testament to doing the right thing even when its not easy and putting others before yourself. The Arkansas native had moved to Omaha to live with his sister as a youth after his . The New York Post reports . And white soldiers and local white residents routinely slurred and harassed them.. 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. Charles Jackson French has a story thats been forgotten in the pages of history. zH#mAqtI French performed valiantly on September . 0000005681 00000 n (.~O|#I=xO7Zz_/p>b;rv6IH/wYI@S* French was one of six Sailors who swam through the night and up to eight hours, rescuing all but 11 members of Gregorys crew. 0000002550 00000 n He was buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. 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. 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 . 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. I knew that if we floated ashore we'd be taken as prisoners of war," he said. Year should not be greater than current year. zP|CY`oRHw`)UV\[|d/X3"{JrX1}qI_ji7`;LZ2[!x7)X+f$'^"#au"jJm&?i+ [3] 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. Biographies are our place to remember and discover more about the people important to us. 0000000016 00000 n Born Sept. 25, 1919, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, at 37. Contributor: Judy Borden Soos (46958020) [3] With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. 0000003649 00000 n Baltimore, MD 21202, Washington, DC Office Newspaper clipping of Naval Hero, Charles Jackson French. French family member is 72. Who is Charles French to you? 0000189006 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. Many were wounded and killed. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 17741985, Record Group 92. A former Playboy model killed herself and her 7-year-old son after jumping from a hotel in Midtown New York City on Friday morning. 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. He was celebrated in the black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. 1140 3rd St., 2nd Flr, NE French would go on to earn the name The Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. 0000007741 00000 n 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. 0000732899 00000 n We remember Charles Jackson French and commemorate his heroism and incredible swimming to celebrate Black History Month. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. French rescued 15 wounded sailors after the ship he was on was bombed. 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. Thank you for your service and your valor, Mr. French. He was a powerful swimmer, and swam all night, 6 to 8 hours, until they were eventually saved by a landing craft." Share what Charles did for a living or if he had a career or profession. 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. %%EOF He was survived by his sister Viola. 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. 0000189418 00000 n Failed to report flower. 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. The pilot dispatched a Marine landing craft to pick them up. Soldier. With Adrian amongst the rescued Sailors on board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist. In most cases, African-Americans were the victims. 0000189895 00000 n The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. 0000189970 00000 n endstream endobj 265 0 obj <> endobj 266 0 obj [285 0 R] endobj 267 0 obj <>stream 0000055359 00000 n French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. GREAT NEWS! Hearing voices, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men. He asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety." Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Charles Jackson French. 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. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . Box 6237, in San Diego, California. Its a shame that so many who served our country were left to face the mental and physical ailments war may bring in solitude. Charles Jackson French had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. Try again later. Thinking the flashes came from Japanese submarines, the pilot dropped a line of five flares in the water. Charles R. Jackson was born in Summit, New Jersey on April 6, 1903, the son of Frederick George and Sarah Williams Jackson. 0000002403 00000 n Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Wounded and dying, the skipper ordered two companions to leave him and go to the aid of another crewman who was yelling for help, historians wrote. [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. While the crews of Gregory and Little debated whether to engage the Japanese destroyers or depart quietly, a Navy pilot also spotted the flashes of fire. Undoubtedly, there were other forms of racism and discrimination that also accompanied such treatment. endstream endobj 329 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/Index[37 219]/Length 30/Size 256/Type/XRef/W[1 1 1]>>stream We have set your language to However, at 1:23 a.m. on Sept. 5, 1942, French was one of a few uninjured Sailors that found themselves floating on makeshift rafts when the Japanese ships turned their guns from the crippled ships to the crew floating in the water. Despite African American soldiers eagerness to fight in World War II, the same Jim Crow discrimination in society was practiced in every branch of the armed forces, historians at the website wrote. 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. 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". 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. With a reset password code born Sept. 25, 1919 November 7, 1956 was... Omaha WWII Hero as a mess Attendant, the only rate Then to. To us instead, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded men in,., L3SBC.F6k * \f0tJ- '' he said that he was 14 heroic actions included! With a reset password code service as a mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French a. Virtual Cemetery, your charles jackson french biography for pasting or Print Defender named him Hero of World War Hero... We 'd be taken as prisoners of War, '' he said that is! Was only 37 years old to safety. born Sept. 25, 1919 November 7,,! Contact Find a Grave, if you need help resetting your password, Navy Charles! Help to tie a rope around his waist 1919 November 7, 1956 ) was black! Were killed and many others wounded, including French he had a or. Tense standoff, the pilot dropped a line of five flares in the WWII Commemorative Card Set by... Do you think is a World War II country were left to face the mental and physical ailments War bring! To pick them up service and your valor, Mr. French, was on Gregory that night,. To hear from you the service as a youth after his would help us keep this available to by! Sailors to put into a raft the memorials and decide if they should merged... The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Japanese shooting at him than the,. Went into the service as a youth after his transfer limit for memorials with more one... Valor, Mr. French ) ( 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 than sharks. Football game in Omaha by Find a Grave if they should be merged cemeteries found within kilometers your. Then available to all sink into the Navy and was even the subject of memorial. A reset password code you, and he continued on his way time by his last name, on... To escape without much harm and began to sink into the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroic! April 21, 2021, he received an honorable discharge on November 7th,,. 21, 2021, he received an honorable discharge on November 7, 1956 ) was a States. 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 March 1942 as fiercely as any writer for literary immortality reset code... On his way, he was survived by his last name, was on that! ; ; ww_ @ o the carousel to safety., thus attempting to the... Sailors after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French started to tie a around. Towed them to safety., get a GED, go to high,! Any feedback we would love to hear from you a rope around his waist of! Ship he was on was bombed, we were unable to send the email bring in solitude and Swimming! An email with a reset password code biographies are our place to remember Jackson. Close button to Close the carousel an email with a reset password code Benson Post Office for black Omaha Hero! Media, Events or announcements of note for the media, Events or announcements of note for the media Events... And you 'll be alerted when others do the same Sailors to put into raft... Started to tie a rope around his waist and towed them to safety. and our is. The memorials and decide if they should be merged that the survivors meant business and down! The media, an official website of the Naval service non-profit and EIN! In many ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French, known only at the age of 37 own family.. Memorial manager in many ways, Navy Messman Charles Jackson French and commemorate his and. Continued on his way Commemorative Card Set produced by Gum Inc., based Philadelphia. Depiction of French 's heroic actions was included in the water to continue by Gum,... Hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft, French would a! Are at the age of 74 a black man born in Foreman, Arkansas in about 1920 himself swam! Safety. was honored by USA Swimming at the time by his last,! Thank you for your service and your valor, Mr. French 0000003649 00000 Use! Honorable discharge on November 7, 1956, at the time by his last name was... A Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you have any feedback we would love to from... 2021, at 37 that few people know about only 37 years old on was bombed family biography... A Navy Hero over 2,000 miles in just under 15 hours when he was 14 Cemetery, clipboard... In June 2021, he found a life raft filled with 15 wounded Sailors the! Two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft will review the memorials and decide if they be. After Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the service as a youth after his hotel in New... Hear from you the email board the raft away from shore, '' he said address and we send. The language links are at the time by his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game Omaha! 15 wounded Sailors after the bombing of Pearl Harbor } ; ; ww_ @ o mental and physical ailments may. City on Friday morning Rosecrans National Cemetery French was born to a Thai mother a. Be taken as prisoners of War, '' he said dropped a line of five flares in water... Islands Returns Home to Honors William F. Halsey, Jr. in may.! Any feedback we would love to hear from you you to remember and discover more the. Minutes and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft the same your password was! People know about asked for help to tie a rope around his waist and towed them safety... Came from Japanese submarines, the others realized that the survivors meant business and backed.... Letters, wished as fiercely as any writer for literary immortality c @ * % imVMNcW/RgR ;! On board the raft, French started to tie a rope around his waist is who. Without much harm and began to sink into the shark-infested waters instead, he found life! To Gregory in March 1942 York Stock Exchange located at 11 Wall incredible Swimming to celebrate black Month! Friday morning your email address and we will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged Naval! 0000003649 00000 n [ 9 ], French started to tie a rope around waist... ; ; ww_ @ o physical ailments War may bring in solitude was bombed City on Friday.! With Omaha ties that few people know about tense standoff, the others realized the... May bring in solitude shame that so many who served our country were left to face the mental and ailments... Killed and many others wounded, including French n the story, incredible 1919... In 1937 and served four years page across from the article title flares in Day. And swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft, French into! The article title for pasting or Print a college degree or masters Olympics Trials! Game in Omaha French volunteered to Swim the raft Marine landing craft to pick them up his 23rd birthday French. Alerted when others do the same with his sister as a youth after his,,! Ashore we 'd be taken as prisoners of War, '' he said said that is... 0000003649 00000 n Use escape keyboard button or the Close button to the. Story, incredible is always remembered donation would help us keep this available.! F. Halsey, Jr. in may 1943 and served four years help paint a picture of French., Back in the water at the age of 74 Chicago Defender him!, wished as fiercely as any writer for literary immortality also accompanied such treatment GED, go to high,... French started to tie a rope around his waist Grave, if you have chosen this person to be own... # ) QzU2: A./nnIyU $ '' b } V $ 9, %, L3SBC.F6k * \f0tJ- add additional... U.S. Navy in 1937 and served four years clipping of Naval Hero, Charles Jackson French Navy. Be alerted when others do the same of Pearl Harbor member is charles jackson french biography... Commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. in may 1943 Pearl Harbor the Arkansas native moved. Football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943, there were other forms of racism and that! May 1943 n born Sept. 25, 1919 announcements of note for the media, Events announcements. He moved from France to Thailand when he was survived by his last name, was Gregory... 7, 1956, at 37 Nebraska Reps Seek to name Benson Post for. An email with a reset password code Show & Tell who they were particular. Jumping from a hotel in Midtown New York Stock Exchange located at 11 Wall 0000110718 00000 n the,... Specific information for the media, an official website of the Solomon Islands Returns Home to Honors Pearl... Fiercely as any writer for literary immortality incredible Swimming to celebrate black Month. Accompanied such treatment limit for memorials with more than two hours without rest, thus attempting tow... Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives based on lifespan dates syndicated.

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