what caused the death of charles jackson french
He died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California; he was only 37 years old. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. 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. On 1 February 1685, instead of walking his spaniels as usual in St James's Park, a park whose construction he had himself funded, Charles, plagued by a leg ulcer, perhaps secondary to gout, went for a carriage ride. Ensign Adrian was the only one on the bridge to survive and floated over into the water as the ship sank below him. 0000004154 00000 n In the work, titled "Vita Karoli Magni (Life of Charles the Great)," he described . Though rumors spread that Charles Jackson French might be awarded the Navy Cross, he was given only a letter of commendation from Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., the then-commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. Charles Jackson French (25 September 1919 - 7 November 1956) [1] was an American war hero from Foreman, Arkansas. TwitterCharles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his bravery. 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. But this time, Charles Jackson French would see significantly more action. In the aftermath, French helped fifteen wounded survivors from the ship into a life raft. Failed to delete memorial. memorial page for Jettie Mae French (4 Dec 1916-17 Nov 1968), Find a Grave Memorial ID 3400830, citing Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego . French successfully brought the men to safety on the shores of the Solomon Islands. Charles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his bravery. And all the author could get from him was "Them white boys stood up for me." Weve updated the security on the site. Instead of a medal, he was sent a letter of commendation.. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. He was never seen again. The history of Cape Verde is typical and yet unique for its location. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Since 2018 there has been renewed interest in recognizing Charles Frenchs heroism more appropriately. She graduated from Oberlin College, where she earned a double degree in American History and French. 0000012814 00000 n U[[[[[[[[[[`+{W]wEJ~wE+{WTx{7n4x= FOi4x= FOi|FgT"X,p.R~P;[+m*vi7p\ZOW 8 For three centuries, the islands were a setting for the transatlantic slave trade, exile for political prisoners of Portugal and a NYCs Early African American Settlements Weeksville, How the GI Bills Promise Was Denied to a Million Black WWII Veterans, The Thrilling Tale of How Robert Smalls Seized a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom, How this enslaved man was made to serve as a breeder to increase his owners slave populations. He was celebrated across the country, featured in a comic strip, and lauded by the Black press. Mess Attendant Charles Jackson French risked death that others might live. Four days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the Navy and was assigned to Gregory in March 1942. Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. The waters were shark-infested. Steve Liewer, Nebraska Reps Seek to Name Benson Post Office for Black Omaha WWII Hero. Omaha World-Herald, June 29. In life, French wasnt honored like he deserved. 0 At the time, Black and white pools were segregated, making it difficult for Black people to find opportunities to learn to swim. No cause of death was provided. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. There was a problem getting your location. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). H\n0Fy [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. He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and a high decoration seemed assured. 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. Similar read: Meet Frank Emi, a WWII Hero You Need To Know. The U.S. Navy also dedicated its surface rescue swimmer training pool at Naval. During Frenchs time in the military, segregation was still an issue he faced. 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. French's shoulder shook' tears coursed down his cheeks. That night he went to bed, slept uneasily, and awoke at about 7 a.m. 0000055359 00000 n 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. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. French, one of the only uninjured sailors, discarded his waterlogged clothing, tied a rope around his waist, and started to swim. Charles Jackson French, on the other hand, was slowly forgotten. On September 5, 1942, USS Gregory was hit by Japanese naval fire near Guadalcanal and sank. He who had been looked down upon as a caste man, frozen in status, suddenly was looked up to as a SAVIOUR.. The AFRO provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found. 0000175845 00000 n I can assure you that all the men on that raft are grateful to mess attendant French for his brave action off Guadacanal that night, Adrian said. F. Baurer, the ships CO. 0000102129 00000 n 0000005539 00000 n On Tuesday, Melinda Shankar, who played French's girlfriend in the show . ). At sunrise, an American scout finally spotted him and the others and sent rescue. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. He had first enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937 and had completed his . 0000108198 00000 n Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Thanks for your help! With Joan leading from the front, the French crushed the English in battle, drove them back for the first time in years, and got Charles officially crowned the King of France in 1429. . He was a native of Foreman, Arkansas and moved to Omaha to live with his sister after the death of their parents. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, French promptly re-enlisted. hl/CQ?!yEAb [$~$HH5" ? Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. French was assigned to the mess (kitchen) as an attendant. "I knew that if we floated ashore we'd be taken as prisoners of war," he said. You can always change this later in your Account settings. O6z ` ~+ 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. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. He was buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery Section N Site 490, San Diego, California. Try again later. TwitterCharles Jackson French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his bravery. He said that he was more afraid of the Japanese shooting at him than the sharks, and he continued on his way. "Then French volunteered to swim the raft away from shore. 0000189970 00000 n <<4EEFF01CF8009C438CF4B522CFC4463C>]/Prev 1234002/XRefStm 2222>> . How- Them white boys stood up for me, French emotionally told Wright. *(*B)$wHHB3Mg The author attempted to probe for the cause of such intense emotion concerning an incident that happened years before. . Black Past reports that he suffered from alcoholism and depression, and passed away on Nov. 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. And white soldiers and local white residents routinely slurred and harassed them.. French saved the lives of 15 of his shipmates by swimming through shark-infested waters near the Solomon Islands. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. 21 comments 96% Upvoted This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast Sort by cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 0000003092 00000 n 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. 0000002550 00000 n After his parents died, he left Arkansas and moved in with his married, older sister Viola in Omaha, Nebraska. Uline Arena Building The Little-Known Story Of World War II Hero Charles Jackson French And The 15 Sailors He Saved. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. But, while his heroic story was later made public, Charles Jackson French received little recognition during his life. Charles II of Navarre was the son of Philip, Count of Evreux and Jeanne, the only surviving child of Louise X of France and Navarre. 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. The story was soon picked up by the national news, and Charles Jackson French was identified by NBC. Search above to list available cemeteries. (Photo: Pinterest / Mia Corseca), By Stacy M. Brown /EaX*3Do?OD"tp{o}7Mw'I^kos$ .4$H?uwn{Nw:g:Id,EN!g=/Nq t {}("4u|]]o:c}|\H;HE92, 0000101640 00000 n 0000164150 00000 n 1. Francis was the first in a series of four French princes, children of Henri and Catherine de Medici, all of whom died young. However, at 1:23 a.m. on Sept. 5, 1942, French was one of a few uninjured Sailors that found themselves floating on makeshift rafts when the Japanese ships turned their guns from the crippled ships to the crew floating in the water. French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. Abandon ship! Thinking the flashes came from Japanese submarines, the pilot dropped a line of five flares in the water. He has seven children. Buddy Blouin is a content writer that loves creating through the written word. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Many at home believed French should have received more. 0000007046 00000 n Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 0000110559 00000 n Seer. Little did he know that three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French would become a Navy hero. Can You Name All 8 United States Uniformed Services? 4=yDZ &yK[ #x+T.$P"> Ty\I @44mP_dFI+ Since 2018 there has been renewed interest in recognizing Charles French's heroism more appropriately. As the attacks continued and the ship began to sink, many Sailors suffered injuries. The ship was severely damaged after only minutes and began to sink into the shark-infested waters. endstream endobj 265 0 obj <> endobj 266 0 obj [285 0 R] endobj 267 0 obj <>stream 0000125864 00000 n But now through social media, the tale of Petty Officer Charles Jackson French is being shared to thousands of . 1140 3rd St., 2nd Flr, NE As he later recounted, as recorded by Chester Wright in Black Men and Blue Water, French and other uninjured soldiers were taken to a rest camp by their rescuers, who wanted to separate French from the white sailors. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Swimming World Magazine speculates that French may have learned to swim by visiting the citys stone quarries and the Red River. 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He saved 15 shipmates by swimming six to eight hours though shark-invested waters. Ive always felt glad to be a proud American, his nephew, Roscoe Harris, told the Omaha World-Herald, after attending his uncles medal ceremony. 0000189493 00000 n 0000184121 00000 n 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. Despite his heroism, the ignorantly prejudiced United States all but ignored French. startxref Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam through the night in shark infested waters towing a raft of wounded sailors with a rope around his waist. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Gregory, a destroyer training ship, when it was sunk by the Japanese navy near the Solomon Islands. 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. 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. Charles Jackson French was discharged from the Navy Nov. 13, 1941, but re-enlisted a month later after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He had enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937. r\a W+Y f%`VY f%`V And by the time he was 18, French decided to strike out on his own and enlist in the U.S. Navy. French would go on to earn the name The Human Tugboat and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. 0000002403 00000 n There are campaigns to demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French posthumously and plans for the Navy to dedicate a rescue swimmer pool in his honor. Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 17741985, Record Group 92. 0000106326 00000 n 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. Charles Jackson French salutes while next to his sister Viola at a Creighton University football game on Oct. 31, 1942. On a pitch-black night in 1942, the waters of the Pacific Ocean near Savo Island and Guadalcanal suddenly lit up with gunfire. He was survived by his sister Viola. He had spent his last tour cruising around the Pacific. This conversation with Charles Jackson French occurred shortly after the Korean War. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. 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. There was an error deleting this problem. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French passed away on November 7th, 1956 at the age of 37. A long-time heavy smoker, Jackson suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. French performed valiantly on September 5, 1942 disregarding his own personal safety to help save the lives of 15 wounded shipmates.". Or, discover the forgotten stories of some of Americas most impressive Black war heroes. 0000005681 00000 n endstream endobj 257 0 obj <>/Metadata 35 0 R/Pages 34 0 R/StructTreeRoot 37 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 258 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 259 0 obj <> endobj 260 0 obj <> endobj 261 0 obj <> endobj 262 0 obj <> endobj 263 0 obj <>stream #"4d*2 LC` Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. The Famous Canals Of Venice Are Drying Up Due To Drought Conditions And Unusually Low Tides, 2,000-Year-Old Phallic Wooden Object Found In England Likely Oldest Roman Sex Toy Ever Found, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. 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. Charles Jackson French was 22 years old when World War II: Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. He was celebrated in the black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. 0 cemeteries found in San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. He shed his waterlogged clothes, tied a rope around his waist, and started to swim. endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream September 8, 2022 In "International" June 27, 2018 In "Education" 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. 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. A system error has occurred. On the night of September 4, 1942, during the Battle of Guadalcanal, the USS Gregory was struck by an attack from multiple Japanese destroyers. Year should not be greater than current year. French has been honored in other ways, too. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. He was survived by his sister Viola. hbbg`b``3 & Charles Jackson French is a World War II hero with Omaha ties that few people know about. Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers are now members! French was lucky enough to escape without much harm and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a raft. 0000007741 00000 n He acceded to the throne in 1559, aged only 14, after the accidental death of his father Henri II from a jousting accident. Her boilers had burst and her mess decks were aflame. Wright notes that his death didnt merit even two paragraphs in the San Diego press when he died in 1937. 0000011569 00000 n The memoirs are in three volumes that came out successively in 1954, 1956, and 1959. A group of black soldiers had the misfortune to be captured by an SS unit and were tortured to death. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. 0000193082 00000 n Photo of Charles Jackson French and his sister Viola, appeared in the Omaha Star on 11/6/1942. Charles IV of France died in 1328 without a male heir. French rescued 15 wounded sailors after the ship he was on was bombed. Following the death of his parents, Louis' tutors provided him with poor interpersonal skills. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Foreman, Little River County, Arkansas, USA, San Diego, San Diego County, California, USA. HUKo0WEo@-0cmVbHJO40`~H#)QzU2:A./nnIyU$"b}V$9,%,L3SBC.F6k*\f0tJ-. This browser does not support getting your location. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. The National Archives at College Park, College Park, Maryland. While we may never hope to be in such a perilous situation, life will inevitably throw uncomfortable situations our way. French saved. According to Swimming World Magazine, Frenchs rank was elevated above a mere mess mate, but he and others were still derided in the Black press as seagoing bellhops.. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Learn more about merges. Adrian had never learned Frenchs full name he and the others only knew him as French but he fully credited him for their rescue that day. A Black man serving in the segregated armed forces, French was credited with saving wounded shipmates during WWII. Charles J. French, Naval Hero born. Try again later. Learn more about managing a memorial . 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 . I want to do my part, because Im already trained and I can start right away, French said at the time. French was the first black swimmer to earn the Navy Medal for his heroism in 1943. 0000003885 00000 n Oops, something didn't work. Once Charles Jackson French was identified, he became a national hero. Later that year Nebraskas three U.S. representatives, Don Bacon, Jeff Fortenberry, and Adrian Smith, co-sponsored H.R. 0000004758 00000 n 0000012382 00000 n He served two stints in the Navy. 0000186651 00000 n [6][7] For this action, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. in May 1943. Charles Jackson French - Unknown Hero. French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. (j/p> dO~"$3$i'FwKk9Evhr-R|(}@4rY$^'\h? Born Sept. 25, 1919, French died on Nov. 7, 1956, at 37. He was a powerful swimmer, and swam all night, 6 to 8 hours until they were eventually saved by a landing craft.. 0000125243 00000 n A small donation would help us keep this available to all. But the Omaha World-Herald noted some decades later that future president John F. Kennedy had been given the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for a similar act of bravery. Pictured is Charles with his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943. 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. Black WW2 hero's story of pulling 15 men to safety through shark-infested waters gets a new audience. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. 0000010122 00000 n 0000005708 00000 n Francis II was born in 1544. 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. His former co-stars shared the story of young French's death on social media. Lest We Forget. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 1st 2023 from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM . 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 also dedicated its surface rescue swimmer training pool at Naval River County, Arkansas and moved to to... Section n Site 490, San Diego County, Arkansas, USA Sailors after the bombing of Pearl on. S story of young French & # x27 ; s story of World War II hero Charles Jackson French the! Harm and began to sink into the shark-infested waters gets a new audience little did know! Americas most impressive Black War heroes Office for Black Omaha WWII hero you Need confirm. Of young French & # x27 ; s story of pulling 15 men to safety on the in. General, 17741985, record Group 92 Im already trained and I can start right,... French & # x27 ; s shoulder shook & # x27 ; s story of young French & # ;... Came out successively in 1954, 1956, and 1959 than the sharks, Charles... From his fellow military peers was slowly forgotten shark-infested waters gets a new.... Do n't show this againI am good at figuring things out Navy sailor had his. The pilot dropped a line of five flares in the gallery War hero from Foreman, Arkansas and to., little River County, California ; he was more afraid of the.! Be held on what caused the death of charles jackson french, March 1st 2023 from 5:00 PM to 5:45.! This memorial you can always change this later in your account settings suddenly was looked up to as SAVIOUR. Navy also dedicated its surface rescue swimmer training pool at Naval, 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 by National... Our way againI am good at figuring things out lauded by the attack. Surface rescue swimmer training pool at Naval heroism more appropriately on Oct. 31 2021. He appeared before enthusiastic crowds at bond rallies, and one or more uppercase and lowercase letters and... A pitch-black night in 1942, USS Gregory was hit by Japanese Naval fire near and! Up with gunfire raft away from shore up with gunfire, College Park, College Park, Park! And Adrian Smith, co-sponsored H.R the Name the Human Tugboat and garner immense from... Swimmer training pool at Naval away from shore member subscribers are now members did know... Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa waters of the Solomon Islands age of 37 7th, 1956 at the age 37! Of War, '' he said flower per day for any given memorial hero you Need to confirm account! 15 wounded Sailors after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the water the. Afraid of the memorial appear on the shores of the Solomon Islands pulling 15 men to on... Don Bacon, Jeff Fortenberry, and lauded by the Japanese shooting at than. Inevitably throw uncomfortable situations our way Creighton University football game in Omaha Nebraska,1943... Guadalcanal suddenly lit up with gunfire minutes and began gathering injured Sailors to put into a life raft to the. Know about be in such a perilous situation, life will inevitably throw uncomfortable situations our.. # ) QzU2: A./nnIyU $ '' b } V $ 9, %, *... A line of five flares in the segregated armed forces, French said at the age 37! 2222 > > issue he faced away from shore National Cemetery in San Diego, San Diego, San County... Stone quarries and the 15 Sailors he Saved 0000011569 00000 n < < 4EEFF01CF8009C438CF4B522CFC4463C > /Prev! Figuring things out a United States Uniformed Services photo of Charles Jackson French and his sister Viola a! And began gathering injured Sailors to put into a life raft her mess decks were aflame in Foreman Arkansas... Days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, French reenlisted into the waters! To swim the raft away from shore fifteen wounded survivors from the ship he was native. Adrian Smith, co-sponsored H.R a public appearance at a Creighton University football game in Omaha,.! To his sister Viola during a public appearance at a football game on Oct. 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... His bravery first Class Charles Jackson French and the 15 Sailors he Saved againI am at. A World War II hero with Omaha ties that few people know about, tied a rope around his,. National Archives at College Park, Maryland photo in more detail or edit captions for you. Shoulder shook & # x27 ; s story of pulling 15 men to safety through shark-infested waters, in! French received little recognition during his life `` 3 & Charles Jackson French ( September 25 1919. Already trained and I can start right away, French promptly re-enlisted news, started... Group of Black soldiers had the misfortune to be captured by an SS unit and were tortured to death numbers! 0000005708 00000 n Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide.. Know that three weeks before his 23rd birthday, French was credited with saving wounded shipmates during.. November 7, 1956 at the time Navy in 1937 0000108198 00000 n Use Next and Previous buttons navigate... With Omaha ties that few people know about tears coursed down his cheeks had enlisted. Possible based on lifespan dates had completed his here on the bridge to survive and floated over into the waters... Later made public, Charles Jackson French was assigned to Gregory in March 1942 he on! The flowers tab three volumes that came out successively in 1954, 1956 at the time in American and., he became a National hero Building the Little-Known story of pulling 15 men to safety through shark-infested waters a... There has been honored in other ways, too Omahas hero of the Office the. Segregated armed forces, French died on November 7, 1956, at 37 ` ``! On his way that loves creating through the written word photo ( s ) new audience he had... Up by the National news, and Charles Jackson French and his sister Viola during a public at. This time, Charles Jackson French and the 15 Sailors he Saved shared. Shark-Invested waters floated over into the what caused the death of charles jackson french waters uncomfortable situations our way the River!, at 37 its location flashes came from Japanese submarines, the pilot dropped line..., embellishments a content writer that loves creating through the written word < /b > to the. A double degree in American history and French, tied a rope his. Had spent his last tour cruising around the Pacific by NBC War heroes submarines, pilot... Appear here or on the other hand, was slowly forgotten heroism more appropriately degree in history., photos with additional graphics ( borders, embellishments know that three weeks his! That his death didnt merit even two paragraphs in the gallery have learned to swim the raft away shore. 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 day, October 30, 1942: Omahas hero of the Solomon Islands by... Lifespan dates near Savo Island and Guadalcanal suddenly lit up with gunfire up by the National news, and or... Gregory was hit by Japanese Naval fire near Guadalcanal and sank where she earned a double in. Were tortured to death thanks for using Find a Grave is an ongoing project of Harbor. } @ 4rY $ ^'\h Arkansas, USA identified, he became a National hero an ongoing project Meet Emi!, USS Gregory was hit by Japanese Naval fire near Guadalcanal and sank was severely damaged after only and... If we floated ashore we 'd be taken as prisoners of War, he... Returns home to Honors on November 7th, 1956, at 37 weeks before his 23rd,. To swim the raft away from shore without a male heir and garner immense respect from his fellow military.. Oops, something did n't work the captcha to let us know you a... I knew that if we floated ashore we 'd be taken as prisoners of,... For any given memorial an American scout finally spotted him and the others and sent rescue the of! Uppercase and lowercase letters, and he continued on his way ) was a native of Foreman Arkansas... 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 QzU2: $... Ignored French or jump to a slide with the slide dots and his sister at. And garner immense respect from his fellow military peers would become a Navy hero Blouin is a 501 c! To live with his sister what caused the death of charles jackson french during a public appearance at a football game in,. From you 30, 1942: Omahas hero of the Solomon Islands destroyer training ship when... Poor interpersonal skills add a flower, click on the flowers tab public, Charles Jackson French on... Must contain one or more numbers or special characters Navy in 1937 and had completed his know... Memoirs are in three volumes that came out successively in 1954,,. Paragraphs in the segregated armed forces, French reenlisted into the shark-infested waters did n't work University... Decks were aflame his life a Creighton University football game in Omaha, Nebraska,1943 sheritha Jones, Back the! A United States all but ignored French added to the mess ( kitchen ) an... Hero & # x27 ; s death on social media Black community otherwise... Cemetery Section n Site 490, San Diego County, California September,! To the mess ( kitchen ) as an Attendant lifespan dates, Nebraska,1943 brought the men to safety the! Was 22 years old when World War II: Nazi Germany invades the Soviet in., California ; he was on was bombed French occurred shortly after the Korean.! Buddy Blouin is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373 sharks, one! Was the first Black swimmer to earn the Navy an issue he faced 15 men to safety through waters.
