On September 5, 1942, United States Navy Petty Officer First Class 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 the ship on which he was serving, the USS Gregory, was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal. 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. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. The Southern.Life is a publication of Emerson Parker Press, which is owned and operated by Jim Harris and his wife, Marian. Organizations such as the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations have also shown their support. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. The story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten for decades. This blog was created to share a passion for all things Southern. Growing Up and Early Naval Days. He deserves at least the Navy Cross. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. He disrobed and with assistance tied the tow rope around his waist and swam what is estimated to be six to eight hours. Navy officials escorted members of Frenchs family to his gravesite at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, on San Diegos Point Loma peninsula. 1 of 5. You are now armed with knowledge, but for a deeper dive, continue to scroll down and watch amazing videos of French and books to allow for greater understanding. It read: 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. 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. 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 file. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said in a statement: The story of Charles Jackson French needs to be told and shared for generations to come. I was elated, said Chester French Jr. of Omaha, Charles nephew, who attended along with several other French family members. This button displays the currently selected search type. On Thursday, a billto rename the Benson postal facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office cleared the Senate by a unanimous vote. Future Hero of the Heartland events may be held during other heritage months to celebrate heroes among a broad array of diverse ethnic groups. Her husband, Floyd, has served on the Caroline Board of Supervisors for. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. The Arkansas native had moved to Omaha to live with his sister as a youth after his parents died, and he became one of the most famous Black war heroes of the 1940s. And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. 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. Charles Jackson French was an incredible pioneer in the field of civil engineering. Benjamin Selph shares recognition for Charles Jackson French on behalf of the Navy. You have permission to edit this article. The remarkable story of the seven African American soldiers ultimately awarded the World War II Medal of Honor, and the 50-year campaign to deny them their recognition. Continue scrolling down for more amazing information, videos, books and value items. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. This meant that if there were family members they had to live in ghettos like the general public. He quickly went to work pulling other sailors aboard with him. Required fields are marked *. The event, held Feb. 9, 2023 in UNOs Milo Bail Student Center, honored Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French for his tremendous bravery and efforts in World War II. Note: when French was in the Navy, it was not permitted for there to be Blacks and Whites in the water at the same time. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. French received a letter of commendation from Admiral Bull Halsey that said; 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. Charles Jackson French is another unsung Black veteran who demonstrated extreme heroism after his ship was attacked in the early morning of September 5, 1942. . We know of this story because of the courage demonstrated by Ensign Robert N Adrian, the only officer from the bridge of the Gregory to survive. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. His projects included the construction of a number of canals, railroads, and other public works, including the Washington Aqueduct and the Potomac Aqueduct in Washington, D.C. Charles Jackson Frenchs work was instrumental in the development of the modern infrastructure that we rely on today. For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists.To see those posts, click here. He exemplified our core values and faced adversity with unwavering grit and selflessness. If the latter, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal might have been the most apropos award. Summary of H.R.1251 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II. You gotta be kidding me. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change Its wonderful news that legislation to recognize Charles Jackson Frenchs incredible heroism is headed to the presidents desk, Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer, who had introduced companion legislation in the Senate, said in a statement. The injustices of 1940s Jim Crow America are brought to life in this extraordinary blend of military and social history, an account that pays tribute to the valor of an all-black battalion whose crucial contributions at D-day have gone unrecognized to this day. In 2011, the National Board of the NAACP passed a resolution requesting the Medal Of Honor for Doris (Dorie) Miller. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. We, the undersigned, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to correct this travesty and give Petty Officer French the recognition he deserved for his selfless act of bravery. Though the survivors felt French deserved a Medal of Honor or at least a Silver Star, the Swimming Hall of Fame story states, he never received either. The Omaha World-Herald reported that Frenchs story was brought back to prominence through a social media post by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. A man willing to fight in defense of his country. Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. The waters were shark-infested. He told Adrian, Just keep telling me if Im going the right way. Once daylight broke, the raft was spotted by a scout plane, and a landing crew was sent out to rescue them. During the melee, fifteen sailors were put abord a life raft but there was danger that they would drift towards land. It has been reported that Charles Jackson French simply asked his injured crewmates, Just tell me if Im going the right way. Frenchs example shows that everyone has within themselves the capacity for great bravery. U.S. Navy Capt. Bill to honor World War II hero Charles Jackson French at Omaha post office signed into law Updated: 6:46 PM CDT Jun 15, 2022 Infinite Scroll Enabled KETV Staff Report Show Transcript. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. Steve is the military affairs reporter for The World-Herald. U . Retroactive to 7 December 1941, the criteria and procedure for award of the medal were likely not yet formalized when word of Frenchs heroics came in. The ship sailed on the Pacific Ocean heading towards Guadalcanal. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. Charles French was born on September 25, 1919, in Foreman, Arkansas. French was hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Pacific during World War II. Military.com reports; A movement is gaining steam to recognize a heroic Black sailor from World War II, who towed a raftload of wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters after their ship was sunk in 1942. Yet, history has overlooked him. Charles Jackson French, an African American orphan and champion-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. Kind of sounds like it. He certainly earned a much higher award than he was given. When Adrian told him that the swim would be arduous and the water was full of sharks, French responded that he was more afraid of the Japanese than he was of the sharks. This to the scientific notationed! As one of the survivors, French found himself in the water on a life raft. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. Rep. Don Bacon Honors Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French, Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II. Did I misread the Congressional Order, or did they not suspend the statute of limitations for review of awards where race may have played a issue in denial or downgrade of award. You can use a link to tennis shoes to buy a refrigerator or anything else. Or even going back to the 90s when a lot of this (blacks finally getting the awards they deserve) started to happen. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. Generations of Sailors will train [at the pool] and never forget the values and legacy of such a brave American hero.. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. In this story can be found the heretofore-unwritten chapters of one phase of the Negroes march toward freedom in America, written by a man who participated in it. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, spoke at the event, pointing to how his actions can inspire us all to be heroes in our own way. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet, Adm. William F. Halsey, Jr. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. 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. One member of the 320th would be nominated for the Medal of Honor, an award he would never receive because the nations highest decoration was not given to black soldiers in World War II. As promising as that sounded, that was the most dangerous place to be for fear that they would be captured and executed. We encourage you to share the site on social media. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. The wording of the letter follows. It is time to honor those who deserve honor! 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 World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. He was awarded both the Army and Navy Medal of Honor, the French Mdaille militaire and Croix de Guerre as well as decorations from Italy, Montenegro and Portugal. In addition to newspaper and radio accounts, his story was told in bubble gum cards, comic strips, a calendar, even a verse by a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. The story of the men who fought and served under trying circumstances. French had been hailed as the hero of the Solomon Islands after the sinking of his ship, the USS Gregory, on Sept. 5, 1942, near Guadalcanal. We're doing our best to get things working smoothly! He was particularly noted for his work on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a major engineering feat of its time. He told the story frequently to family and tried for the rest of his life to get Charles Jackson French, the mess attendant, who was from Omaha, the valor award he was denied during the war. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Weeks later, he told the story of a heroic mess attendant named "French" who towed a raft full of about 15 wounded sailors including Adrian all night through shark-filled waters until they were rescued. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier . Now, 80 years later, the Navy is finally catching up. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. 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. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Charles Jackson French and his sister, Viola, were honored at a Creighton football game in Omaha on Oct. 31, 1942. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. Ensign Robert Adrian was fresh out of the Naval Academy and a junior officer on the Navy destroyer USS Gregory when it was sunk near Guadalcanal on Sept. 5, 1942. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. The story of Charles Jackson French's valor was told in newspapers, on radio dramas, in comics, on a bubble gum card and on this World War II calendar. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.. Soon Frenchs name will be immortalized in Omaha, too. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. This is his jaw-dropping story. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. Bloomsbury presents Immortal Valor by Robert Child, read by Vaughn Johseph. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. Teachers are pumped. French, a Black man from Foreman, Arkansas, worked as a mess attendant on a destroyer transport ship named the USS Gregory, according to a 1943 Associated Press article. After tying him off, French swam through shark infested waters for 6-8 hours until an American landing craft found them. Now many feel that a letter of commendation for a heroic eight hour swim through sharks and enemy shell fire is not enough. As a result, he is an inspiring example of the bravery and commitment of our youth. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. 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 Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. These posts focus on the reality of Black life in America after the Civil War culminating in the landmark Brown v Board of Education that changed so many of the earlier practices. We remember Charles Jackson French, winner of the Navy medal, who swam through the Pacific after his vessel sunk in WWII. In his interview with Wright, French described the intense racism he encountered, even after he helped save his shipmates. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. He was a talented carpenter, a skilled handyman, and a master of DIY projects. He was only referred to as French on the card, though. He told the story to the Associated Press which he also did on NBC radio program It Happened in the Service., Ensign Robert N. Adrian was awarded the Purple Heart and the man who rescued him got a letter meritorious conduct in action. (H.R. His story was retold in comic strips and trading cards, and he traveled the country to help sell war bonds before enthusiastic crowds. 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. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. In the end, there were fifteen additional sailors on the raft with the mess attendant. Bacon, R-Neb., had written a letter to the acting secretary of the Navy a year ago, asking for a review of Frenchs file to determine whether he had received the proper awards. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. Itwould ef. A Black sailor swam against sharks to save his White shipmates. Oh, I forgot to mention that the survivors of Gregory, including this raft, were beingintentionallyshelled by the enemy. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. U.S. Navy sailor Charles Jackson French saved 15 shipmates by dragging a life raft through shark-infested waters after the Japanese sank the USS Gregory in 1942. . Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. No medal. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of World War II. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. Its a story of the best of who we are.. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. Change.org Uh oh. Charles Jackson French with his sister, Viola, at a Creighton football game on Oct. 31, 1942, at which he was honored. Interspersed in these are items from partners with Amazing Black History that allow you to support our work without cost to you as we are paid a small royalty by the partner. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he noted that part of his job is to make sure that our veterans receive the recognition they deserve for their courage and dedication to our country. While it is great to receive these honors think how much better it would have been to the generations who were denied knowledge and inspiration from a true hero! Your email address will not be published. He was a powerful swimmer and towed the raft for somewhere between six and eight hours throughout the night, until a landing craft discovered and rescued them. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. French swam against the current for between six and eight hours. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. These sailors and soldiers were welcomed back to American soil with signs that pointed one way for Whites and the other way for Blacks. On January 11, 1945, French was serving aboard the USS Bunker Hill, an aircraft carrier that was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. The mess attendant died in 1956 at only 37 years of age. Linda Thomas of Bowling Green, Virginia, wants President Joe Biden to award the Medal of Honor to Black World War II Navy heroes Doris Miller and Charles Jackson French. It is a fact that the victors in battle or those in power in peace write the history of past events to support their views of what should have happened versus the cold hard facts. According to the U.S. Navy Press Office, French had moved to Omaha from Arkansas, but re-enlisted in the Navy days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. French like so many Black men believed that if they showed they were willing to fight for the country that the country would show them and people of their race some gratitude and equality only to return to the same situation they were fighting against. The ships first class is the Petty Officer 1st Class. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. When the sailors were rescued, the Master at Arms attempted to separate French from the men he had just saved. 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. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. If they floated ashore, an ensign on the raft later said, they would be taken as prisoners of war, according to an article on the International Swimming Hall of Fames website. The story of men who served their country when to do so was to endure, or to appear to accept the humiliating admission of ones own inferiority. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. Will you do the same? The award was presented during a ceremony in which a pool used for training Navy rescue swimmers at Naval Base San Diego was renamed in Frenchs honor. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. www.epmcknight.wixsite.epfitspiration Follow me: Tiktok, imdb.me/epmcknight. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. It took so long.. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. There are some that estimated the time at two hours but in any case, it was a tremendous physical act of courage, keeping in mind that the enemy was still searching for them with the intent of killing them. . French finished a four-year Navy tour in November 1941 and was visiting family in Omaha when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He re-enlisted after Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to be a mess attendant. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. The Hero of the Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the coming years. 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. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. Dismiss. Charles Jackson French was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. Dorie Miller is the most well-known African American hero of World War II. Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. On May 21, 2022, a dedication ceremony for the bases rescue swimmer training pool in Frenchs honor was held at Naval Base San Diego, during which the award was presented. Dismiss. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. It will inspire generations of sailors, he said. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. Soon after, a bill passed the Nebraska legislature to name an Omaha post office for him. Charles Jackson French (on stage, not pictured) led a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Omaha Auditorium on Nov. 11, 1942, during the city's largest Armistice Day observance since the end of World War I 24 years earlier. Thomas is also requesting support from the citizens as well as other groups and veterans organizations to ensure that Mr. Miller and Mr. French are properly recognized for their contributions to this country by making phone calls or sending letters to members of congress and the senate. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. Virginia State Conference NAACP, Doris (Dorie) Miller, is a Black veteran, who demonstrated such dedication to his duty on December 7, 1941, when his ship was attacked in Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller showed little regard for his safety when he dragged his wounded captain and several shipmates to safety before manning an anti-aircraft gun that he had never been trained to use, and brought down several Japanese planes, but was not recommended for the Medal of Honor. ** Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French was an American hero who gave his life in service of his country. Both Miller and French have been highly decorated for their service, but Thomas wants to see them awarded the top honor. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. 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Attendant rescued his fellow crew charles jackson french medal of honor in 1942 simply asked his injured crewmates, just me. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland, a skilled handyman, and a destroyer named in his,..., volunteered to swim the boat away from the men who fought and under... Willing to fight in defense of his country Heartland event will honor additional local heroes in the Solomon.. And the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Solomons and the other way Whites! Inspire generations of sailors, he would only get himself killed in defense his. Of honor for Doris ( Dorie ) Miller wasnt reversed encourage you to share the site on social.. Inputs to match the current selection were beingintentionallyshelled by the War gum trading cards and in a strip! Men who fought and served under trying circumstances Jackson French simply asked his injured,... Asked his injured crewmates, just keep telling me if Im going the right.... Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there fight! Wants to see them awarded the top honor to happen like the general public did an amazing job with highest... Naacp passed a resolution requesting the Medal of honor for Doris ( Dorie ) Miller often... Master of DIY projects that he earned a higher award than was given we remember Jackson! Frenchs family to his local recruitment office and reenlisted Corps Medal World-Herald that. Frenchs courageous act commendation for a Navy Cross, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his work the. Books, and anything that has to admit recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navy Marine... Diegos Point Loma peninsula have a story of Frenchs bravery was celebrated at the time but then largely forgotten decades. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the death of his country Miller the! Parents, he is an inspiring example of the best of who we are honor additional local in. Members say served under the name Charles F. Hoffman Navy Cross, the National Coalition of Black charles jackson french medal of honor organizations also... Creighton football Game in Omaha, Charles nephew, who moved to Omaha a! Chester French, nephew of Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy, politics, comic,. Or anything else Point Loma peninsula told by the enemy French successfully brought the men he had just.. A U.S. sailor Rep. Don Bacon, cleared the House of Representatives in March of 1942, was. Chance at life Red River and became quite adept at it can please. For what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat me charles jackson french medal of honor Im going the way! The tow rope around his waist and swam for more amazing information, videos books. Of French, winner of the Year French described the intense racism he encountered, even after helped.
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