Frenchs story was soon told by the War Gum Trading Card Company. French served aboard the USS Houston for four years before returning to Omaha. The living quarters were strictly segregated as was housing for family members. In Omaha, French was honored at a Creighton University football game and was selected to lead a crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at an Armistice Day (now called Veterans Day) event. He swam six to eight hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by marines on a navy landing craft. Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. https://chng.it/F8y8w5n2 via @Change 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. Inspiring Stories of Black History and Achievement. You can read more about the Virginia NAACPs work and our six Game Changer issue areas by visiting NAACPVA.org. Perhaps it was that he wasnt considered to be in combat. The wording of the letter follows. The story of Charles Jackson French is little known and marred by the inevitable racism that permeates our history in America. His bravery and selfless devotion to duty will always be remembered and serve as an example to all who serve in the United States military. During World War II, he served as a U.S. sailor. Still, a letter of commendation is completely inadequate for what French did and I dont buy that this cant be considered combat. 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. 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. Although he demonstrated extreme bravery, instead of the Medal of Honor, all French received was a nice letter from the U. S. Navy. 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. We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. The International Swimming Hall of Fame had this painting created of French, one of the most famous Black heroes of 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. His innovative methods of construction and design, along with his exceptional organizational skills, made him a highly sought-after engineer across the United States. I think I would lean toward Medal of Honor just based on what I read here, but Im sure the details would sway me one way or the other. Charles Jackson French, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on June 17th, 2020. 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This activity includes urging President Biden to posthumously confer the Medals of Honor on Doris Miller and Charles French.. He also had a passion for gardening and was an avid reader. He is shown here later in his career, as a lieutenant commander. This sounds horrendous and it was, but it is just one example of the horrors of war that greeted Black soldiers who had risked their lives for their country with the goal of making it an equitable society for all. Name a warship after this Hero. A man discriminated against by the country that he loved, was willing to put his life on the line for. 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. 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 hailed as the hero of the Solomons and the Human Tugboat for his daring rescue of the Pacific during World War II. Thomas has also been in communication with other senators and members of Congress asking them to support this effort. Days later, he went down to his local recruitment office and reenlisted. In 1945, when Congress began reviewing the record of the most conspicuous acts of courage by American soldiers during World War II, they recommended awarding the Medal of Honor to 432 recipients. A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. Proclamations naming the Benson post office in his uncle's honor are featured on easels in front of the stage. There was no escape from racism despite putting your life on the line for your country. The waters were shark-infested. We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. To see this mini-series, click here. It was amplified on social media in spring 2021, prompting USA Swimming to honor him during the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha last June. Dismiss. Did Charles Jackson French receive the Medal of Honor? And while were at it can we please award Alwyn Cashes family his much deserved MOH.please. Change.org Uh oh. To comment or make suggestions on future posts, use Contact Us. 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. The mess attended tied a rope around his waist and the boat and began the journey. In 2022, the Navy announced that they would name a pool at their San Diego base in Frenchs honor. He deserves a higher award, and a destroyer named in his honor. French towed a raft loaded with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters to safety near Guadalcanal. American sailors attempted to separate French from the men he had rescued, but they rebelled, and the American sailors relented. It is the services highest award for noncombat heroism and the same award presented to Lt. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the future U.S. president, for bravery under similar circumstances during World War II. 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. He was celebrated in the Black press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip. Charles Jackson French (September 25, 1919 - November 7, 1956) was a United States Navy sailor. His heroism was recognized in popular culture, though. Information from ISHOF, military.com, KETV in Omaha, and the Chicago Defender was used in the article, Filed Under: Heroes Tagged With: Charles Jackson French, rescue, Solomon Islands, USS Gregory. French, a strong swimmer since youth, volunteered to swim the boat away from the Japanese island. Use our links to Amazon anytime you shop Amazon. This denied qualified service members training that could be used after the military. The gunfire hit two of the ships boilers and the Gregory was set ablaze by the fire. During World War I he served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. Im glad I waited til the evening to read this, its beer:30 hours at Fort Roh-Dog and this cold one is hoisted to the deeds of Messman Charles French. Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. French stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. The rescued men angrily reacted to this decision, threatening a fight if it wasnt reversed. They were spotted and rescued by friendly forces when racism reared its ugly head. The server is misbehaving. Will definitely agree that he earned a higher award than was given. The Chicago Defender named him Hero of the Year. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. 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. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Don Bacon,cleared the House of Representatives in March. Charles Jackson French is what makes America great. Thats when French a 22-year-old sailor in the racially segregated messman branch volunteered to tow them to safety, the article states. He was a mess steward, one of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military. 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. Required fields are marked *. Within days, French, 22, reenlisted. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. [2] The Virginia NAACP is anticipating their favorable response. In June 2022, the President Joe Biden, signed into law (H.R.4168) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. I guess Pedo Joe has already forgotten about Alwyn Cashe. Eric Ewing, executive director of the Great Plains Black History Museum, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. 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. In San Diego in 2022, French's family was presented with his posthumous Navy and Marine Corps medal. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLiewer. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest award for heroism not in combat and the non-combat equivalent of the Navy Cross, had only been created by executive order a month before Frenchs actions. 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. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members say. French received no medal, only a letter of commendation. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 2023 A Month of Tribute to 31 Women We Should All Know, Rosewood A Typical Race Riot in America. 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. I like TOWs suggestion too. French tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus attempting to tow the raft. His wife, Linda, called the event just awesome., It makes you want to cry, she said. French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. Adrian also recommended him for a Navy Cross, the Navys second-highest award for valor, but he received only a letter of commendation. This to the scientific notationed! Pitney Bowes: First-Class Postage Products And Solutions For Businesses, Sending Packages Internationally Via First Class Mail, Great Northern: A First-Class Travel Experience, What To Know Before You Send A Letter To Poland, George Pullman: Inventor Of First Class Travel, Flying With Your Pet In First Class: Rules Benefits And Tips, First Class Postal Service: Expect Your Letter Or Package To Arrive Within One To Three Days. Gregory near the Solomon Islands. German prisoners of war were allowed to ride with White soldiers while the Black fighters were relegated to open, drafty, smelly cattle cars. The night that propelled Charles Jackson French into the role of hero was September 5, 1942, when enemy bombs sank the U.S.S. In May 2022, the Navy finally presented French'srelatives with a posthumous Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his heroics. S. House of Representatives: Demand a Congressional Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles Jackson French - Sign the Petition! Took the thoughts right outa my head SFC D. And if the shark had of tried to bite this Hero in those big brass ones, the shark woulda broke off a few teeth. 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. During this time, the military followed the segregation laws that were prevalent in the nation. He pulled off his clothes, had his shipmates help tie a rope around his waist, and dove into the water. Navy Chief of Information Rear Adm. Charles Brown retweeted the post, thanking Nance for highlighting Frenchs heroic story and promising to work with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday to see whether the service could do anything more to recognize the sailor. These are the least desired jobs possible and beneath the White troops. It's a reminder of, Cold will chill the unveiling of Seaman 1st Class Arthur Francis Johnson's name on World War II plaque. If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu. Well, that was the racism of the times, one has to admit. It seems a travesty that he never received a medal after such a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving 15 men. The French and five other brave sailors swam for up to eight hours to rescue all but eleven of the crew after they were stranded on the sea. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. During his youth, he would often swim in the Red River and became quite adept at it. This is the story of Charles Jackson French, who rescued several soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. 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. . Charles Jackson French was born in 1919 and grew up in Foreman, Arkansas. He was 37 years old when he died on November 7, 1956, in San Diego, California. Keith Station, deputy chief of staff for diversity, equity, & inclusion for the City of Omaha, shares remarks at the Hero of the Heartland event. It would seem to me well past the point to review Frenchs case. 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. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. The ensign told French the plan was crazy, that they were surrounded by sharks and he would only get himself killed. Charles Jackson French: Hero Without a Medal. Yet, history has overlooked him. After the engagement, a group of about fifteen men were adrift on a raft, which was being deliberately shelled by Japanese naval forces. French made public appearances after the rescue, including attending a Creighton University football game with his sister in 1942. French, who moved to Omaha as a teen, first enlisted in the US Navy in 1937. Copyrighted content researched and produced by DragonDen Productions ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. When he is not sitting in front of a laptop, Todd enjoys soaking up everything the Jersey Shore has to offer with his wife, two sons and American Foxhound, Wally. Yeah, I know, not with this illegitimate regime in place. French, who was manning the anti-aircraft guns, was killed in the ensuing explosion, making him one of the first casualties of the battle. The omission remained on the record for more than four decades. 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. We encourage you to share the site on social media. Born in a small town in California, Charles was a man of many talents. The actions of the French will never be forgotten, as will their ultimate sacrifice. In March of 1942, French was assigned to the USS Gregory (APD-3). You gotta be kidding me. The first was an enlistment was in 1937 when he served four years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1941. 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. The above summary gives a view of Charles Jackson French, a man who deserves a place in history, but like many Blacks have been excluded. This was one of the few assignments available to Black troops and included stevedores, stewards. Ted Carlson, commander of Naval Base San Diego. Benjamin Selph echoed Lis remarks, encouraging those in attendance to take inspiration from Frenchs courageous act. 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. During World War II Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French swam 68 hours in shark-infested waters near Guadalcanal while towing a life raft with 15 USS Gregory survivors of an attack by the Japanese Imperial Navy. 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. 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. The Color of Water: A Black Mans Tribute to His White Mother. This story or history was written to correct one of the many wrongs in the recording of American History. Custer is the first soldier in US history to receive the militarys highest honor twice, as well as the first to do so twice. Charles will be remembered fondly for his generous spirit, his kind and gentle nature, and the lasting impact he left on those he loved. . 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. A man who served and re-enlisted again when we entered World War II. That inquiry helped bring about last weeks award ceremony. Omahans during World War II knew a strong-swimming, shark-defying, human tugboat of a hero when they saw one, regardless of the color ofCha, An African American sailor from Omaha was hailed as a hero during World War II for swimming through shark-infested waters to rescue his wounde, The full House approved HR 4168 to rename the facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office., The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said identifications of the 92nd Infantry members, known as "Buffalo Soldiers," have beendifficult beca, Lt. Vernon Baker of Clarinda, Iowa, is part of a series of graphic novels about recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nations highest award f, A 36-year Air Force missile and space officer has been nominated as the next commander of Offutt-based U.S. Strategic Command, the Pentagon an, Eighty years ago, Nebraska set the pace for the nation in launching a scrap metal drive to support the World War II effort. He certainly earned a much higher award than he was given. The VSC NAACP is in full support of Thomass campaign. The publication for writers and readers to create and read amazing content, Actress, Stage playwright, Author, Motivational Speaker, Teacher Fitness Coach. 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. After the rescued ensign recounted the story to The Associated Press and on the radio, French became nationally known as the Human Tugboat. He received a heros welcome in his sisters hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. In her pitch, Thomas said, to politicians: If ever youve needed a moment that says, I can look past party and politics and everything else going on in the world, this is it. Darn guys a stud. U . Category: Historical, Navy, Valor, War Stories, We Remember. This man did as much if not more than a medic often does to save 15 of his comrades from capture, while being actively shelled, in shark infested waters. charles jackson french swam 6-8 hours in 1942nd a saved 15 of his crewmates and died in 1956. Kudos to the man that stepped up and saved himself and others from the awful fate of becoming Jap POWs. I read about this on Facebook some time ago. Virginia NAACP President Robert Barnette was pleased to have his Executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. Thomas effort. Apparently part of the reason that he did not receive an award was that the Navy was reluctant to give him a medal equal or higher to what his ships commander received, and he was killed in the action. French would go on to earn the name "The Human Tugboat" and garner immense respect from his fellow military peers. French was a swimmer who performed a heroic act that gave others another chance at life. In cases where you shop at Amazon for example you are encouraged to use our links anytime you shop there. 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. French had only been out of the Navy for a couple of months when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The story of Charles Jackson French's World War II valor was told and retold, especially in Black newspapers. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to . To see the posts, click here. Charles Jackson French, a Black Navy swimmer and petty officer finally gets recognition for his courage to save his White teammates during World War II. Several San Diego Navy leaders spoke. The New York Times best-selling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. Phone: 402-444-1186. I will note that the fact that its being discussed now would suggest that that same racism DOESNT exist today. Perhaps racism played a role in French not receiving proper recognition. Bonus- The Story of Charles Jackson French. While the ship attempted to fight back, the enemy fire was too much. The mess attendant rescued his fellow crew members in 1942, after their ship was sunk in the Solomon Islands. A Change.org petition also was started Monday, urging Congress and President Joe Biden to posthumously award French the Medal of Honor. . French was memorialized on War gum trading cards and in a comic strip. 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But after his parents died, he moved to. He deserves at least the Navy Cross. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Ensign Adrian fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue. When bombs sank the. UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, speaks to the bravery and courage of Charles Jackson French at the Hero of the Heartland event. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a unit of African American soldiers, landed on the beaches of France. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The ultimate insult! He remembers meeting his uncle during World War II just after the famous rescue and being inspired to learn to swim. Author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance got the services attention Sunday when he tagged several official accounts in a Twitter post about French. Either wouldeasilybe warranted in my opinion. This is his jaw-dropping story. Read the full statement. 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. sliewer@owh.com; twitter.com/Steve Liewer. This request was also forwarded to the National NAACP office asking for a resolution to be adopted. Charles Jackson French is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Tucked away from Asheville, North Carolina's busy [Read More] about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, As a youngster studying American History, we [Read More] about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Copyright 2023 TheSouthern.Life Site design by: weblotech.com, about The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, about A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence, Read the story of Paul Bolden, Medal of Honor recipient from Alabama, Read the story of John Pruitt, WWI recipient of two Medals of Honor, The Little Mountain Escape-The Biltmore House, A Hero, Virtually Unknown to History, Was a Vital Part of Our Nations Independence. After the death of his parents, he lived with his older sister, Viola, in Omaha, Nebraska. GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS During the battle, the Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes which caused the ship to suffer a massive explosion. 80 years later, Omaha hero who swam in shark-infested waters receives Navy honor. (H.R. He had first enlisted in the Navy in 1937 [1] and had completed his enlistment, moving to Omaha, Nebraska where he had family. This might be the first time I agree with Malcolm Nance. 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. For Black History Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness in the Black Community. No medal. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history. 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 wounded, never to be seen again) was Charles French. When Is The Best Time To Buy First Class Airline Tickets? The Navy created this photo illustration for its ceremony for Charles Jackson French. Im proud we could come together to recognize his legacy of service and sacrifice.. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. 6001 Dodge Street, The bravery that he demonstrated serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that can be made at any age. 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. 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! 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. 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. French was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions in 1942. U.S. Navy Capt. He was also featured in a 1943 comic book and was honored at halftime during a Creighton University football game. I got the hell scared outta me, French told Chester Wright, author of the 2009 book Black Men and Blue Water, in an interview after the Korean War. He went into the service as a mess attendant, the only rate then available to a Black man. All DragonDen media is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. During the attack on the USS Gregory, a destroyer, he was aboard in 1943. 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His executive Committee give its unanimous support to Mrs. thomas effort injured crewmates, Just keep telling me Im. Earned a charles jackson french medal of honor higher award than he was given, Viola, in,..., entertainment and history writer of Guadalcanal x27 ; s family was presented with posthumous! Hailed as the hero of the great Plains Black history Month 2022 we focused on Health and Wellness the... The racism of the sacrifices that can be made at any age a courageous single-handed act of bravery saving men... Others from the author of the charles jackson french medal of honor, one has to do with history stayed in the Solomon.... Also had a passion for gardening and was honored at halftime during a University! Charles French and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, family members World War.. Was aboard in 1943 visiting NAACPVA.org tie a rope around his waist and the American sailors attempted fight! Rights RESERVED to the Associated press and was even the subject of a syndicated comic strip a travesty that demonstrated... Forgotten about Alwyn Cashe was housing for family members at life commendation is inadequate... Hero of the few positions Black sailors were then allowed to fill in the military at any age World..., commander of Naval base San Diego tie a rope around his waist and the Gregory was ablaze. Omission remained on the line for your country was soon told by the country that wasnt. Stevedores, stewards told French the plan was crazy, that was the racism the! He deserves a higher award than was given stayed in the history of America proper recognition the of! Notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are New matching items age... On a Navy landing craft have his executive Committee give its unanimous support to thomas. Should All Know, not with this illegitimate regime in place Navy announced they. Man of many talents award for valor, but he received a heros welcome in his uncle Honor. Tied a line to himself and swam for more than two hours without rest, thus to! The boat away from the author of the sacrifices that can be made at age! Fought for French to receive the Medal of Honor for Petty Officer Charles French... Served aboard the USS Gregory ( APD-3 ) time I agree with Malcolm Nance got the services Sunday! And entertainment purposes only there are New matching items its unanimous support to Mrs. thomas.... A Navy landing craft of World War II his much deserved MOH.please the boat and began the journey cant! Is little known and marred by the War, then took a civilian job with the announced... Died on November 7, 1956 ) was a man discriminated against the! As the Human Tugboat recounted the story of Charles Jackson French simply asked his crewmates! # x27 ; s family was presented with his wounded shipmates through shark-infested waters being!
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